Yoga literally translates as yoking, meaning union or connection.  This connection is meant to be with the higher self or spirit and with God.  I also believe it means a connection and respect for all life.

More than that yoga is freedom and liberation.

In the words of Patanjali (yogic philosopher credited with writing the first yogic text), yoga is the stilling of the restlessness of the mind.

Yoga is peace, kindness, joy and gratitude.

Yoga is breath and movement.

Yoga is balance.

Yoga can be anything you want and need it to be, from the simple breath and doing nothing (but paying attention) to self study to meditation in motion to exercise and much, much more.

Yoga is everything and nothing.

Filed under: 2, Breath and Meditation, Yoga Philosophy, my thoughts on living by Cortney
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Just wanted to include some information you may not know about me.  In addition to doing what I love for a living, teaching yoga and practicing massage, I also create yoga mat bags with the help of some very talented artisans here in the Dallas area.  I am the mother of a beautiful 3 year old little boy and the wife of a great guy!  I have four cats (Colby, Ty, Jewel and Pepper) and I am a huge animal lover, huge!  I have dreams of traveling to Africa to do missionary work, it is very important to me to give to those who don’t have and our suffering in poverty.  I also do what I can to improve the quality of life for those animals who have been mistreated or left behind, I have to admit that I never feel like I am doing enough.  In my heart I want to do and give so much more!  I love music, the Dave Matthews Band is my absolute favorite, some other favorites of mine are Train and Jewel.  The list goes on.  One of my favorite past times is playing rock band (not the video game) with my son.  He loves music as much as my husband and I do and he loves to listen, watch musical performances and play his instruments.  Just a few more tid bits of info, I am very clean and tidy (though it may not be obvious living with a 3 year old and husband that doesn’t share my quark), I am a vegetarian who sometimes eats fish and I hope to plant a garden this year.  My favorite color is green and I love to read and learn.

Filed under: my thoughts on living by Cortney
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The Buddhist use what they call a Metta meditation, also referred to has a loving kindness meditation.  The meditation consists of a simple collection of positive phrases directed towards one’s self, towards loved ones, strangers, communities, the world as a whole and towards one’s enemy’s.  It is intended to connect the practitioner with their spiritual heart space and help them to live from that place of love, kindness and compassion.

Here are a few examples:

May I be filled with loving kindness

May I be peaceful and at ease

May I be well

May I be happy

Steven Cope, A Path Wtih Heart

May I feel protected and safe

May I feel contented and pleased

May my physical body support me with strength

May my life unfold smoothly with ease

Sylvia Boorstein

To practice sit or lie down quietly and repeat the affirmations mentally.  First directed towards self, then again towards loved ones, strangers, your local community, greater community, the world as a whole and towards your enemy’s.  This can be a powerful practice in concentration and transformation.  Transforming negative thoughts, healing emotional hurts, making space for forgiveness, awakening gratitude and healing a person on all levels of being.  It truly has the power to move a person forward to live a happier and more loving life.

May this simple practice touch the loves of many and connect them more deeply with the love within and around them.  Opening them to more easily give and receive love and kindness.

Filed under: Breath and Meditation, Quotes, Yoga Philosophy by Cortney
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