OM - Hindus believe the sound of OM is the vibration which holds the entire universe together. In yoga, we OM in class to experience that cohesion. We join our individual vibrations so that they may be synchronized. OM is also a reminder of our influence. As we use our voice we vibrate air molecules. The nature of sound transmission is the vibration of atoms. Each atom vibrates the one next to it until it vibrates the inner ear of your neighbor. Imagine you can see this movement in the air molecules after your OM. See the sphere of your influence. We quite literally move the world, and the people in it, with our voices. It is important to understand the responsibility inherent with that kind of power. Not only do we have an impact on others because they have an emotional reaction to the words we choose to use, we literally move them internally. We must be aware of this responsibility. The foundation of our relationships with other beings is our communication with them. We are constantly transmitting our thoughts energetically, physically and vocally. We must be discerning of what we emit. As yogis we strive to understand our own emotional reactions to others, but not everyone is seeking such awareness. Those people will react and blame you for your callousness. Strive to eliminate the damage you do with your vibrations. (This is one way to practice ahimsa (non violence), the first of the niyamas in Patangali's Yoga Sutra.)
Sama Vrtti - A pranayama technique that translates as same fluctuation. Pranayama is breathing practice. Prana is the sanskrit word for life force, similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine's chi. Yogis believe prana rides the breath. Therefore every inhalation results in the acquisition of prana. Yogis also believe illness is the result of prana being unable to flow freely through the body. So we practice breathing techniques in order to manipulate prana (energy) with the intention of freeing it to flow unhindered throughout the body.
The breath is also a useful diagnostic tool. It gives you insight into your current state of mind. The breath is never breathed yesterday or tomorrow. As such it is used in yoga practice (and can be used anytime) to keep the mind present. Sama vrtti specifically can be useful in keeping the mind present and thoughts or emotions on an even keel.
Foundation - Your foundation is always in the seat of your asana (physical pose), whether that be your feet, hands or actually your seat. In some cases the word asana is translated as seat. This week's asana will focus on strengthening the legs while increasing flexibility in the hips. Strength without flexibility creates a brittle situation. In this case, your muscles work on your bones to create lasting detrimental changes. You may look good for a while, but you will eventually be in pain on a regular basis. Which is also true of unused muscle, so a balance of strength and flexibility is important As the body and mind are inexorably linked, what one does to the body, one also does to the mind. As you increase your flexibility physically, so too the mind becomes flexible. As physical strength increases, so too your strength of character. Such is true of the extremes as well. An overly developed body means an inflexible mind, one stuck in habits it is unable to detect. A weak physique means a weak will. You will surely be at the mercy of every desire to overtake you.
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