Every person has certain values that are important to them and by which they live. In our 'Yoga and Values Series' we want to introduce you to the values and values of our society and our coexistence through yoga teachers. Nicole from Hesse writes today about the value:
serenity
Serenity, who wouldn't want that? Perhaps you have already had the pleasure of seeing the Dalai Lama live and experiencing his serene serenity up close. Amazing! How does he do that, especially in view of what is happening in the world? But slowly, perhaps we should take a closer look at the meaning of serenity and first clarify what it actually means!
Definition of serenity
Calmness is the ability to always maintain inner calm even in difficult, even seemingly hopeless situations and not to feel compelled to act spontaneously - and therefore often thoughtlessly.
There we have it: it has something to do with patience and also something to do with the fact that you don't always deal with a situation personally and emotionally, but rather consider the situation carefully, look at the other person's point of view and only then react - or not . Many people believe that “no reaction” means disinterest or ignorance; Sometimes “no reaction” is the only right one! I see again and again that people immediately feel personally attacked and react extremely. Why in today's society do you have to be afraid of being physically attacked just because you politely ask someone to turn down the music on the train? What's going on here? Calmness would be a real gift (and not only) in such situations!
How do we find the serenity within us? Patanjali's Yoga Sutra , among other things, helps us here. It leads us on the path of Raja Yoga to the greatest possible serenity! Already in the second sutra it says: “Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah” - “Yoga is the calming of thoughts in the spirit”. When the mind is calm, nothing can throw us off track so quickly. When we are calm, it is easier for us to be considerate of others and we don't always think of ourselves as important. In the best case scenario, through concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana), we realize that “All is One”. At this point at the latest, there is no longer any reason to become impatient or even aggressive; you can calmly trust in the flow of life.
Serenity in yoga
I am fully aware that not everyone knows the Yoga Sutra, even those who have been attending yoga classes regularly for many years. And that's not all that important. Overall, I am pleased to note that many yoga students are very interested in finding out what else yoga is apart from more or less difficult postures. And as a yoga teacher, I don't have to delve deeply into the, admittedly, wonderful philosophy of yoga; there is another way: Meditate with your students! Again and again and always in a different way. And sing! Mantras are simple and, despite everything, beautiful! It's impressive to see what a big change can happen in a short time when people simply get back in touch with themselves! This not only has a relaxing effect, but also definitely promotes our calmness.
Meditation for serenity
A simple meditation that can also be practiced in everyday situations:
- Close your eyes and straighten your spine, whether you are sitting in a chair or in a cross-legged sitting position.
- First concentrate on the flow of your breath without influencing it. Try to be completely present with your breathing.
- After a while you try to notice all the noises around you. Don't miss anything! You will become much calmer over time. At the end of the meditation, turn inward for a few breaths, to your breath.
In this way, you can get back in touch with yourself in almost every situation and take away the excessive emotionality of even difficult situations. With this in mind: Meditate and sing! I wish you all a wonderful (exuberant) time!
Nicole from yoga room Inner Light in Friedrichsdorf (Hesse)
My name is Nicole. I have been practicing yoga for 20 years now. I have now turned my hobby into a profession and teach classical Hatha yoga with great passion and joy with a special love for meditation. Yoga is a gift that I love to pass on!
My favorite asanas: Kapotasana (the pigeon). I can just let go here!
Would you like to share your thoughts on a value in our society related to yoga? Then please send us an email to mail[at]findedeinyoga.org . We are happy!
You can find all previously published articles in the “Values and Yoga” series here .
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