Doing something in the nature perceive an even deeper completeness of the yogic path



Yoga as a path of initiation by the extraordinary completeness - because of its spiritual values, healthy, philosophical and ethical - is intertwined with several instances of the utmost importance, due not only to the sphere of the individual, but also the social and environmental commitment.

Since the awareness of all this confirms and reinforces the value of yoga as a way of "union" at all levels, I think it's worth trying to explore the rich and fascinating dialogue between yoga and nature.

In the first instance, if yoga is particularly suitable as a journey to discover our true nature, the nature - we can say - is part of yoga. A bond between yoga and the environment, which is enclosed, on the other hand, in the ancient origins of the discipline. Do not forget that, according to tradition, yoga was revealed to the rishis in meditation, ascetics, living in direct and continuous contact with nature, simplicity and contemplation, were also connoisseurs of his intimate secrets and laws of 'universe.

It is therefore no coincidence that, in the vast and rich symbolism of yoga, the asanas - but also pranayama - have names drawn from the natural world, such as, a large number of animals, but also to the stars (and variants of the Surya- the Chandranamaskar, for example), as well as elements related to the plant world (as Vrksasana, the position of the tree), geological (such as Tadasana), air pollution (such as the "lightning position"), through the stylization of geometric figures ( including Trikonasana).

All âsana enclose therefore, immediacy and transparency of their essence, a universal and eternal heritage. Through the practice of yoga is it possible to reconnect, in a direct and evocative, the primal reality of the natural world and the whole Creation. Not only that I have experienced intimately that practicing in direct contact with nature, you can refine and live this fundamental perception and vital.

I believe that, in many changes and various "trends" crossed over time from yoga, its core has remained essentially intact thanks to that source 'natural' and ancestral. A universal and timeless heritage, which has a unique completeness: just think of the wealth represented by more than 900 original postures and pranayama techniques from the many, and by the different practices of concentration and meditation, not to mention the noble pillars of yama and niyama.

At the philosophical level, reflection on "yoga and nature" can only call the dialectic between the Vedanta Brahman - the Absolute unmanifest, omniscient and eternal - and Prakriti - nature, manifest. Prakriti is Maya, or the '"illusion", but also the dynamic principle that grafted on Brahman, and then through the interaction of the three Gunas, started the Universe. All events and elements with form, substance and likely to change, but distinguish themselves originate from the action of nature Creatice, Maya Shakti: the principle that made the Absolute (purna) incomplete (apurna), the infinite as finite , the formless like shape, and so on. Maya Shakti can also be defined as the universal mind of the Supreme Being, which is manifested in the individual whose mind, ego and senses.

Prakriti, Nature as creator, also refers to the vision of tantric yoga and the subtle physiology, in which the body, or the microcosm, is intimately interconnected outside, ie the macrocosm, and that seems to evoke the essence and the mystery of creation. It must be said that all the elements that are present in Nature manifests (Prakriti) - earth, water, fire, air, ether, to which we add the mind and cosmic awareness - are also present in the individual.

The creative energy Shakti or Prakriti - creating life in the universe, and specifically man down again through the "Sushumma nadi," even to the muladhara chakra, the "root", and there assopitasi - can be awakened, purified and sublimated right through the yogic path. Reactivating and purifying the seven main chakras, which contain the various elements present in nature, "earth" to the Supreme Consciousness, it is thus possible to reconnect with the force behind it and reconnect to the universal source, and thus to our huge potential, ie our purest nature and authentic. When the natural elements are awakened and in balance within our being, we live in health and harmony, and full expression of our ability, because in connection with the All.

The body can be seen, therefore, not only as a microcosm, but also by using an analogy drawn from the natural world, a kind of real "ecosystem." So when all of us work in synchrony and harmony are free from disease and suffering and, as a sort of "climax ecosystem," we live in the fullness and splendor. In light of this, yoga can also be understood as a form of "ecology of the body."

The interconnection between inside and outside is also contained in the concept of prana, energy or "life breath". Prana is breath, inhale, exhale, fluid, the flow of blood as the sap in the trees. But the wind, the food, the air, the sun, the water, the changing of the tides, the melting of glaciers. And much more.

The breath - aspect of the broader pranic energy - is a link between body and mind, between the inside and the outside. Indeed, when we are "united", become "intact" and complete: we whole English ("complete", "perfect") and its similarity to the word holy, or "holy." So, in order to experience the "Totality" proper yoga, it is important to sensitize not only what happens in ourselves, but also to come to feel deeply our interconnection with other living beings, with nature and its energies, and finally with the Whole.

The vision of yoga is also cyclic. The world and life are not designed statically, but in their actual reality of constant change. Therefore, since we change depending on the time of day and stages of our lives, according to the seasons, to the cosmic and planetary movements, a practice that is to be effective take account of these differences.

Do not forget that important transformations occur crimson yes so soft and smooth, but other times, they go through changes sudden, loud, a kind of "death" symbolic (which in practice can be a major life style change, or the end of a relationship that gave us more joy) followed, hopefully, a bright rebirth. Think of the beauty of the figure of Nataraya, that principal deity dancing with majestic grace, the cyclical processes of destruction and rebirth, and recalling the stages of life and the changing seasons, and, in broader perspective, the sequence of aeons .

An influential and inspiring call to live with flexibility and courage in these times when you often tries to cope with life's difficulties with false certainty and rigidity.

In the light of the teachings that come from nature and from yoga, we understand how the path toward overcoming the ego - which is the ultimate goal of this process - is going hand in hand with an increased awareness of respect for biodiversity, in all its forms.

The scaling of the ego is to be understood as the overcoming of egoism, lust for control and possession, great "poisons" of our age. Because only if we can resize and, gradually, to transcend our ego, you can discover and really find our essence, as well as that of others and to fully appreciate all that surrounds us, ie the gifts of life.

This does not mean putting aside our uniqueness. Through the yogic path is indeed possible to bring in a healthy way our "uniqueness", without identifying with what has been given us, and above all, respecting and appreciating other "uniqueness", whether of animals, plants, other human beings, places and cultures.

Thanks also to yoga can be 'small', to give space to the other, the Other, the inner journey as in everyday life. We know well by now: the planet is not an infinite system and, thus, can not logically be "infinite economic growth." Why not try, then, to make room for all that surrounds us, not only to ourselves? And together, if possible, to accommodate? And even if what surrounds us is ultimately illusory, being a manifestation of Maya, it is true that life is a great gift that has been done in order to gain experience of the Absolute, to evolve.

We can choose to live the "detachment" with yogic attitude of coldness, indifference (and egoism), an end in itself, or rather tend to research dynamic, constant and a healthy balance willing to live with grace, compassion, respect and I would add, commitment.

Because yoga is also a great responsibility: do not forget that its pillars are the universal principles of yama and niyama personal observances. If we do not have in mind the importance of these, you can not devote the later stages of asanas, pranayama's, let alone the concentration and meditation. The practice is therefore a unique laboratory to experiment with humility and dedication, our intimate interconnection to "All", which is both outside and inside of us.

In my experience, when yoga is proposed and lived as a purely holistic way, happen extraordinary changes in our lives. Then, when the reference to nature is not only ideal or theoretical, but it becomes practical in nature, everything is a concrete response and clear.

The benefits of yoga practice if you multiply by the sea, in the mountains or in the woods, in direct contact with the natural elements: sun, wind, earth. The sand, grass, or surrounded by trees. Try to practice feeling the grass, the earth beneath his feet, his warmth and texture, even after walking barefoot in direct contact with the roughness of the terrain. In this way it is possible, among other things, strengthen your feet, our "roots", and consequently the whole body: very good starting point, in a world where there is a risk of becoming increasingly "domesticated." The ability to combine yoga walking and hiking integrates the benefits of the same. Hear the chirping of birds, the hum of bees, and not too annoying if some insect alights on us, even when we are in the final relaxation properties, gives a perspective to our practice different from the practice in indoor environments, "protected" , and is a valuable opportunity to put into practice the true art of detachment.

In sadhana staff and leading groups of outdoor yoga I have found that each season has its own charm: Winter is the time of 'hibernating', of recollection, of intimacy. So in that season it's good enough "pamper yourself" at home, get more sleep, practice in a gentle, preferring yoga nidra, concentration and meditation.

The awakening of spring can instead of back in touch with the outside world, as well as being conducive to getting rid of toxins accumulated in previous seasons. The sun, the warmth, the brightness of spring, the enchantment of nature in bloom as the ideal backdrop for the "rebirth" basis. With the arrival of the good weather we are more prone to listen to ourselves and the Other, to be reconciled with our nature freer and more authentic and at the same time to open to the new. We are more open and receptive to new ideas.

Summer is the time of greatest splendor, the Sun and the fullness of the season during which to rediscover why not, our soul more "wild." The heat also helps in physical practices more intense, because it loosens the joints and prepares the muscles to a greater stress, so it is the perfect time to give a boost of energy to our practice. Thanks also to the longer days and bright, full of life energy, we can afford to sleep a little 'less, perhaps meditating, as is the tradition, the "Brahmamurta" precious moment in which the forces of nature, between dark and light, are in perfect balance. In the fall, again, no coincidence that the harvest season, we have worked with perseverance, we can finally enjoy the sweet fruits of the fullness and maturity, as well as the protarsi energy awakened and stimulated above.

The moments of transition between the seasons are also very important and delicate, and yoga gives us the tools to meet them in an appropriate manner.

Given that "we are what we eat" is especially good care supply all year round, with seasonal foods, fresh, organic or natural and possibly local. We can then enhance the benefits of the postures and breathing, with the various practices of purification (kriya) that eliminate toxins from our vital organs: cleaning stomach, intestines, but also of the nasal cavity and tongue, and ringiovanendoci rinvigorendoci deeply. Shankprashlan fact should be ideally performed in all the changes of season. It would also be good devote occasional fasting. Obviously, these practices should be carried out, especially the first time, under the guidance of an experienced teacher and qualified.

Particularly conducive to change and, therefore, evolution, are the moments of transition, such as the equinoxes and solstices.

The Suryanamaskar, again, brings great benefits to the physical, emotional and mental health. Preferably practiced at sunrise and sunset, it is a prime example of the relationship between man and nature in yoga. Not by chance the sun to the ancients was the god source of life for excellence and remains our primary source of "food." And with the sun, the moon, the emblems of the two polar forces of Yoga. The vitality and warmth of the sun, on the one hand, the cyclical and introspection of the Moon, on the other. Both necessary and wonderful. The word "Ha-tha" contains the "Sun" and "Moon."

The masculine and the feminine, therefore, the heat and the cold, rajas (activity) and tamas (inertia), Shiva and Shakti. From their union springs the ideal balance, the Sattva. In the complementarity and in affinity between these two forces, we take a deep sense of unity that goes beyond the dualistic conception: hot and cold, male and female, day and night, joy and suffering are equally useful and important. In this way, we can learn to take note of the polarity as necessary moments of growth and transformation, eventually coming to dominate and regulate them through the balance that resides in us and around, the ability to integrate them into a "third party" was that they encompasses and surpasses them together.

Thanks to yoga in nature, finally, we come to recognize our completeness in our own essence of being a living animal / human / spiritual: learn to reintegrate into our self not only the male / female polarity, or the apparent contrast between "inside" and "outside", but also between the '' high 'and' low '. The instinct and spirit, the unconscious and the intellect are so harmoniously integrated. Mother Nature is a great teacher of everything because all of these instances are already in it.

Think of the shaft position. In it, it is possible to live simultaneously the roots in the foot, ie the action of the force of gravity in the lower part of the body, which gives stability, strength and practical, and at the same time perceive momentum and lightness in the upper part of the body which, as pushed upwards, draws an ascent toward the more spiritual dimensions. While, again, in the solar plexus, the center of our balance and our vitality, the encounter between these two complementary forces. And to go further, feeling the subtle levels: the roots, continuing on the soles of the feet, through the floor, extend the sphere underground, hidden, unconscious. In a similar way, the elongation of the upper part of the body, seems to go beyond the purely physical level, over the upper limbs and the head, nell'anelito towards the spirit, permeating the air element and, in an even thinner, the 'ether.

The inspiration for this asana gets better, of course, from the same trees. Observation and listening attentive and involved in their essence can learn a lot. In their variety, generosity and silent presence, all the trees have strong underground roots and foliage reaching out to the sky, beyond the visible dimension. To infinity.