Story by AMy OrOzcO
one of the best things you can say about yoga is nothing at aLL. that is why carpinterian amrit Joy, Long time yoga teacher, Leads siLent retreats.
“It’s a taste of silence,” explains Joy. This taste of silence lasts a day. The
retreat structure includes an orientation when talking is allowed. The following yoga session, vegetarian lunch, beach walk, inspirational activity such as an art project or journaling, pranayama (breathing technique) lesson, and meditation are done in silence. Before beginning, a common
reaction from Joy’s students is “Oh, I could never do that.” Well, do “that,” they do, and many look forward to “that” for a mental cleanse once or twice a year. The first layer of silence
uncovered is not talking, or an outer silence. The second layer is inner silence; one hears how noisy the mind is and works on quieting it. When aware of what the mind is thinking, negative thoughts can be weeded out and positive ones planted. This leads to designing one’s own life with more contentment, ease, and serenity. “Easier said than done,”
says anyone who has tried to cease sabotaging self-talk. That’s where tools sharpened in yoga class, such as
breathing and postures (asanas), come in handy. “The purpose of True and Traditional
Hatha Yoga is to create tranquility. Through the practice of the breath and the asanas, the mind quiets, the body becomes balanced, and a feeling of peace and serenity is obtained,” explains Joy. “Your breath is the foundation of True and Traditional Hatha Yoga. The breath is free, always there, and right under your nose. Learning the breathing techniques of True and Traditional Hatha Yoga can improve your health, quiet your mind, and connect you with spirit. Simply put, yoga can change your life.” Yoga goes beyond the
classroom, though. It is a lifestyle with a history of over 5,000 years. Silence is part of the yogic way of life, and its purpose is to connect with and receive
guidance from spirit however one may relate – Jesus, Bud- dha, Mother Nature, and so on. Silence brings a connec- tion to that place, and know- ing it is there is very comfort-
ing. Go ahead and ask anyone who’s been there, but don’t expect to hear the answer. ¢
50 carpinteriaMAGAZINE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108