Ghandi, Shiva and You in Warrior II
Our yoga practice goes far beyond the physical postures; it provides us with tools and wisdom to navigate life.
In Thursday’s practice, we explored Ajna Kriya and Shambhavi Mudra, anchoring our awareness at the energetic third eye center—Shambhavi. We embarked on a journey through Ajna Kriya, guiding the breath along the spine and out through the third eye, symbolizing the "psychic center in action."
Ajna = Psychic center - command - perceive
Kriya = Action
Ajna Kriya = Psychic center in action
Shambhavi - The gesture of gazing into the third eye center
As we moved through our sequence, we reflected on the timeless wisdom of Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This powerful reminder served as a catalyst for self-inquiry, urging us to cultivate within ourselves the qualities we wish to experience more of in our lives. Whether it’s love, peace, or joy, the change begins within us. We revisited moments in our lives where we felt overwhelming love, happiness, achievement, and laughter, allowing these vibrations to radiate outward from within.
In Warrior II—Virabhadrasana 2—we stood with one hand reaching into the past and the other extending into the future, finding ourselves perfectly centered in the present moment. This posture serves as a metaphorical bridge, connecting who we have been with who we have the opportunity to become. It is a powerful reminder that we get to decide what we carry forward. What do you choose to bring with you into the next moment? Love? Happiness? Joy?
We often think of the third eye as a window into the future, a way to see beyond ourselves. However, we sometimes overlook that the future we foresee is shaped by the energy we emit in the present.
What you do today is who you will become tomorrow.
In meditation we utilized the power of Ajna Kriya, with our awareness resting at Shambhavi. With each inhale, we drew awareness inward, and with each exhale, we cast our breath and awareness outward—first into the energy surrounding our body, then to the edges of the room, and eventually to the vast consciousness of the cosmos. This rhythmic exchange between inward focus and outward expansion reminded us that we are both a part of and connected to the greater universe.
Take your yoga practice with you off the mat and into your life. How can you incorporate these themes into all that you do. Am I consciously choosing the energy I want to embody today? Am I aware of the vibrations I’m sending out, and how are they shaping my future?
Your psychic center in action
Ajna Kriya is a practice designed to activate and purify the Ajna Chakra, or "third eye," which is associated with intuition and spiritual vision. By guiding the breath through the chakras to the Ajna center, this technique clears and balances the energy channels, enhancing inner awareness and spiritual insight. Offering a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe, helping to cultivate inner vision and access higher states of consciousness.
The "gesture of inner awareness”
Shambhavi Mudra, or the "gesture of inner awareness," is deeply connected to the energy of Lord Shiva, who embodies infinite consciousness and the highest state of awareness. This practice involves focusing your inner gaze gently on the space between the eyebrows (Ajna Chakra). By aligning with Shiva's qualities of transcending the ordinary and connecting with the divine, Shambhavi Mudra enhances concentration, calms the mind, and deepens intuition. By balancing our inner energies, it guides us to higher states of consciousness, helping us align with the universe’s creative force as we co-create our lives.
Gandhi’s Words of Wisdom
Gandhi’s famous quote, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," serves as a reminder that transformation starts from within. If you desire more love, peace, or joy in your life, you must first embody these qualities yourself. This self-cultivation is the foundation for manifesting the life you want.
Together, these elements form a powerful toolkit for creating the life you desire. By embodying the qualities you seek, consciously choosing your energetic state, and practicing Ajna Kriya and Shambhavi Mudra, you align yourself with the universe’s creative force. This alignment allows you to co-create a life that reflects your deepest aspirations and resonates with the vibrations of love, peace, and joy.
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.
Alexandra