We have explored the first 5 limbs of yoga... 1. Yamas (outer ethical codes) 2. Niyamas (the the inner, personal ethical practices) 3. Asana (postures) 4. Pranayama (breath control) 5. Pratyahara (withdraw of senses) & today we move to the 6th limb...
♥️Dhāraṇā♥️ (Mindfulness / Concentration) Dhāraṇā is the practice of gathering our attention & focusing inward... bringing our attention into the present. While Pratyahara supports in the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses, Dhāraṇā builds on the practice & supports us in shifting away from the ego. Ego? Yes, ego... the part of us that disconnects us from our purpose, our essence, our Self. When our ego is in the driver's seat, it can lead to reactivity or a heightened sense of self-importance. Telling us: we have to be available all of the time, respond to a text/call/email immediately or perhaps when we have too much on our to-do list. Does this resonate?! Dhāraṇā Reflections: ✨Mindfulness invites us to practice focusing on the present moment. ✨Eckhart Tolle's teachings are dedicated to the practice of Dhāraṇā: "When you make friends with the present moment, you feel at home no matter where you are. When you don't feel at home in the Now, no matter where you go, you will carry unease with you". ~ Eckhart Tolle 3 of my fav Dhāraṇā practices: 1. Mantra Meditation Thanks, @deepakchopra Mantra: Sohum So (Sanskrit for 'I') Hum (Sanskrit for 'AM') Inhale... So Exhale... Hum 2. Checking-In, in this moment: How am I being, in this doing? 3. Removing ALL notifications from your devices. This is a new practice I have been enjoying since logging off on December 24th. It invites me to practice dhāraṇā by being mindful as I log onto my phone or computer. As I mindfully open my email & mindfully engage with social media. Reflective prompt: How do you practice Dhāraṇā? Would love to hear your great practices! ♥️ Dr. Melissa Jay
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June 2022
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Dr. Melissa Jay is an Indigenous, Nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. We at Canmore Counselling respectfully acknowledges the traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) of Canada. We are privileged to live on sacred lands and celebrate all of the Indigenous peoples, who live, work, play, and care for these lands. As an act of reconciliation and decolonization, may we work together to answer the TRC's Calls to Action: Truth & Reconciliation Commission Reports and Findings.
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