Look to this Day
Look to this day, for it is life,
The very life of life,
In its brief course lies all the realities
And verities of existence:
The bliss of growth, the splendor of action
The glory of power.
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday
A dream of happiness!
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day
~ancient Sanskrit poem~
Aum (or OM) is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is said to be the sound of the universe. What does that mean?
Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us–that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Aum. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell.
Chanting Aum allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves–the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Aum, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.
Meditation
Meditation is a single lesson of awareness which brings health, happiness, joy and peace into your life. Meditation helps you reach Supreme Conciousness, awaken your Charkras (energy centers), and purify your physical and psychic bodies. Meditation also awakens Divine Love in your heart, and heals your relationships and helps you experience True Love and friendship.
Yoga training comprises of the following:
Yoga Asana
These are special physical postures, which strengthen the body and balance the hormone secretions, control the propensities, cure many diseases without medication and maintain good health, beauty and long life.
Pranayama is a science of breath control techniques and exercises, which creates a balanced functioning of body, mind and vital energy. Good breath is the foundation of healthy body, mind and soul.
Kapalabhati (Fire Breathing)
Bhastrika (Bellow Breathing)
Braramari (Bee Humming)
Svana (Dog Breathing)
Nadi Sodhana (Alternating nostril breathing)
Look To This Day