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Inversions for Beginners?

B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most influential voices in Western yoga, calls Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) the king and queen ... (continued)

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The Practice of Surrender

Ishvara pranidhana is not about what your yoga can do for you, but about approaching your practice in the spirit of offering.

By Shiva Rea

Because Ishvara pranidhana connects every action to its sacred source, Krishnamacharya is said to have described it as the most important yoga practice for the Kali Yuga we live in, an "Iron Age" in which all humanity has fallen away from grace. Just as the Buddhist commitment to bringing awareness to every action is called mindfulness practice, Ishvara pranidhana could be called "heartfulness" practice; it awakens our constant devotion to the Source of life and keeps our hearts open to the Divine in every moment, no matter what arises.

Shiva Rea lives in Malibu, California. She can be reached at www.yogadventures.com.

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Reader Comments

Su	I've practiced acknowledging a holy presence during my day, but not the idea of an offering to Spirit before activities. I think this will add a new dimension to my connection to Spirit.
Deborah	Making that connection to the universal sanctum of peace that lies within each of us - finding joy in each moment and the richness of simplicity. My Dad even in the last stages of Alzheimers has this light. It goes beyond mind stuff, and shines in the glance.
Vivian	What a beautiful and inspiring piece. I remember living moments of grace as a child like the ones Shiva talks about, in which I was particularly struck by the beauty of a ray of light as it illuminated an angle of a room, or as it was reflected by the eyes of someone I loved. Reading this helped me re-connect to these memories and I've found a willingness to try to surrender more to the beauty of the world around me. Thank you.

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