Namaskar - Oct 09

ENVIRONMENT
• I recognize and maintain the
purity and health of my physical
body and mind by eating a
healthy and plant-based diet.
• I support sustainable
methods of organic farming
and Earth-friendly alternative
energy to minimize the toxicity
of the natural world.
• By smiling and being kind to
all creation, I am helping to
break the chain of negativity and
destruction on Earth.
2. SANTOSHA: CONTENTMENT
• I am satisfied by realising I can
incorporate earth-friendly
products and practices in my
home, workspace and natural
environment one step at a time.
• By not being attached to the
results of my vigilant work
towards creating a healthier
environment, I create a work
ethic with less suffering and
expectation.
• I do my best to develop
myself and preserve the
environment and I am satisfied
with whatever results arise.
3. TAPAS: DISCIPLINE, INTENTIONAL
SUFFERING FOR DEVELOPMENT
AND PURIFICATION
• I am disciplined in my efforts
and contributions towards
eradicating pollution, war,
hatred and violence.
• By buying organic goods and
refurbishing my home and
workplace with earth-friendly
products, I am helping to co
create a healthier and more
sustainable world.
• If the Green goods, services
and products I buy are a little
more expensive than others, this
is my sacrifice as I lead by
example. This is a way for me to
“cast my vote” for the changes I
wish to see in the world.
• I wake early to do my yoga
practice with the rising Sun so I
may connect with and be in
harmony with the natural
diurnal rhythms of the Earth
and Sun.
4. SVADYAYA: STUDYING THE SELF
• By observing myself, I
recognise my patterns and
tendencies which are polluting
my body, the environment and
contributing to global warming.
• I pay attention to what I buy,
consume, eat, and promote in
relation to its environmental
impact.
• I look inwards, study yogic
texts and commune with nature
so someday the nature of reality
will be revealed to me.
5. ISHVARAPRANIDANA:
SURRENDERING OF THE EGO / TO
THE INTERNAL DIVINE
• I surrender the fruits of my
labour to the collective whole by
donating money, time and
energy to environmental
organizations and other nongovernmental
groups working
for, health, non-violence and
peace on earth.
• I listen and pay attention to
the wisdom, research and advice
of others who know more than
I about the health of our planet.
• I realise I may not have all the
answers and solutions to
creating a healthier and
sustainable world, but I am
willing to be guided by those
who are leading by example.
Clayton is the
director of
Greenpath
Yoga in San
Francisco.
www.greenpathyoga.org
Teacher’s Voice
tremendously while in it and it’s also a very new pose for me.
WHAT HAS THIS ASANA TAUGHT YOU?
The pose has taught me “soo” much. Most importantly is that you
can still enjoy and have fun with postures that make you shake or
ones that you fall out of. Side plank helps me not take myself so
seriously. It’s wobbly and playful and every time I do that pose it
takes on a different dimension. I remind myself in this pose that
we are practicing not perfecting in yoga.
Tanya Boulton
WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING ASANA AND WHY?
Side plank - any and all variations. The reason being is I shake
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR PRACTICE?
The most challenging aspect of my asana is feeling safe in it even
though I’m wobbling, shaking, and falling out of it. It’s trusting in
a moment when things might not seem so stable or safe. Very
parallel to life’s moments and that is why I love taking on this
challenge when the pose presents itself. It’s one that requires growth
and discovering new parts of myself.
Tanya is a freelance and private yoga instructor in Hong Kong and
is launching her own yoga/casual clothing line.
tanyaboulton@gmail.com
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