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Online Sadhana Journal
Sadhana: (sanskrit, Sadhanam) "A means of accomplishing something" or more specifically, "a spiritual practice"
This week I am preparing for a two-week intensive training that will mark the beginning of a three-year commitment to study in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition. I have already started my first month's assignments, which includes keeping a Sadhana journal. Not sure if a blog qualifies as a Sadhana journal. Must make a note to ask my mentor. Ah yes, the mentor. I wonder who that might be? I already asked my teacher Mehrad if he would be my mentor. He is, after all, the reason that I am beginning this journey. Mehrad politely side-stepped my request. I am swimming in this new sea alone. Good thing I feel so at home in the water.
The cover of my HYT-TTP (Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teacher Training Program) Home Study Manual states "An integrated program in self-transformation leading to self-realization in the authentic tradition of H.H. Shri Swami Rama of the Himalayas." I wonder who I will be when I finally realize who I am?
I started my Sadhana schedule on July 1st. The morning schedule entails rising early, praying, washing, meditating, practicing hatha, eating breakfast mindfully, and going about my day. Following a mindful lunch, I am to clear and balance my breathing channels. In the evening, I am to leave my shoes at the door, wash my feet, hands, and face (in that order), have dinner, a contemplative walk, sit for meditation, read something inspirational, lay down in bed, practice yoga nidra and slide off to sleep. I am hit and miss with my schedule. I try to get everything in, but some days I miss some things. Overall, I feel good about my effort, but I have room for improvement. I have also made a personal decision to abstain from alcohol and any other things that get me "out of my head" for these three years, a fairly easy decision, as I quit my regular drinking habits two years ago. The schedule is very agreeable for me. I like the regular meditation. It is good for me.
The introduction of the training manual begins, "Our Teachers Training Program is for people who wish to be connected to an authentic living lineage for ongoing study and spiritual guidance. Working with all aspects of our lives, the aim of the program is self-transformation. We train people to be not merely teachers of classes, but guides of people." Do I "wish to be connected to an authentic living lineage for ongoing study and spiritual guidance"? I am still wondering why I am doing this. I don't have to do it, but I have to admit that I feel oddly compelled.
..And so it goes.
I am off to finish my day now. Goodnight.
This week I am preparing for a two-week intensive training that will mark the beginning of a three-year commitment to study in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition. I have already started my first month's assignments, which includes keeping a Sadhana journal. Not sure if a blog qualifies as a Sadhana journal. Must make a note to ask my mentor. Ah yes, the mentor. I wonder who that might be? I already asked my teacher Mehrad if he would be my mentor. He is, after all, the reason that I am beginning this journey. Mehrad politely side-stepped my request. I am swimming in this new sea alone. Good thing I feel so at home in the water.
The cover of my HYT-TTP (Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teacher Training Program) Home Study Manual states "An integrated program in self-transformation leading to self-realization in the authentic tradition of H.H. Shri Swami Rama of the Himalayas." I wonder who I will be when I finally realize who I am?
I started my Sadhana schedule on July 1st. The morning schedule entails rising early, praying, washing, meditating, practicing hatha, eating breakfast mindfully, and going about my day. Following a mindful lunch, I am to clear and balance my breathing channels. In the evening, I am to leave my shoes at the door, wash my feet, hands, and face (in that order), have dinner, a contemplative walk, sit for meditation, read something inspirational, lay down in bed, practice yoga nidra and slide off to sleep. I am hit and miss with my schedule. I try to get everything in, but some days I miss some things. Overall, I feel good about my effort, but I have room for improvement. I have also made a personal decision to abstain from alcohol and any other things that get me "out of my head" for these three years, a fairly easy decision, as I quit my regular drinking habits two years ago. The schedule is very agreeable for me. I like the regular meditation. It is good for me.
The introduction of the training manual begins, "Our Teachers Training Program is for people who wish to be connected to an authentic living lineage for ongoing study and spiritual guidance. Working with all aspects of our lives, the aim of the program is self-transformation. We train people to be not merely teachers of classes, but guides of people." Do I "wish to be connected to an authentic living lineage for ongoing study and spiritual guidance"? I am still wondering why I am doing this. I don't have to do it, but I have to admit that I feel oddly compelled.
..And so it goes.
I am off to finish my day now. Goodnight.
