Our week of silence has begun at EOM studios and lots of folks have been wondering why. I’ve been asked if it’s because of the mass shooting in Orlando, the hopelessness of the presidential election, or possible climate shift. While I am moved by all of these things, it is not. It’s interesting to note, however, taking a moment of silence is associated with death, chaos and despair. Or maybe it isn’t. Taking extended moments of silence is a means by which to prevent all three and maybe we somehow remember that for one minute when bad things happen.
Our week of silence is because I’m personally tired of talking about yoga. The truth is as much as I talk about the philosophy of yoga you will never understand unless you have the experience. Yoga is meant to personally realize through an experience. The philosophy of yoga was codified thousands of years ago by the Sage Patanjali. The 8 limbs of yoga is the yogic path and includes all practices to support self-realization. Because you like to move your body you have already discovered the powerful nature of one limb, Asana, or “finding your seat.” Asana is the physical practice we do on the yoga floor. It’s called “finding your seat” because it prepares the body to sit during meditation.
You are probably familiar as well with Pranayama. Prana is your vital life force energy and relates directly to the breath. We consciously move our body with breath to allow the parasympathetic nervous system to respond creating a balanced brain. The mind and body become yoked, in part, because of pranayama. A peaceful brain can more easily meditate once it gets to its seat for meditation.
And that brings me to silence. Pratyahara is the yogic practice of withdrawing the senses from the outer world and using the energy to explore one’s inner world. Every time we encourage you to close your eyes in yoga, you are practicing Pratyahara. Other practices include eating more simple food allowing the taste buds to rest, talking less, listening more, embracing natural fibers, spending time in nature and of course silence. Silence is very provocative. The mind resists and the out of balance energy of overthinking is actually heightened. Most people cannot get through that phase and quit. But if you do push yourself through it, the mind has a break through moment and it feels like total peace and bliss. You come to crave silence. It heals you and allows you to sit more peacefully for meditation.
So I am hoping this week of silence will provoke you. I hope you will realize some patterns of thought no longer serving you. I hope you will hear your heart beating in your body and allow your breath to become your music. To support your experience, try the following at home:
Keep the lights low.
Keep the TV and electronics off.
Go for a daily walk in nature.
Eat simple foods of whole grains, beans, vegetables & fruits.
Eliminate tasking for just this week.
Listen more, talk less.
Spend an hour each day not talking.
Enjoy, Pamela
*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.