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Self Remembrance
We make mistakes in life all the time: in decision-making, in relationships, and in choosing priorities when we are not able to decide between the voice of the Self and the voice of our own mind. Some cases of losing oneself or forgetting oneself are listed below to illustrate the idea and inspire us in seeking the True Self . . .
- Chasing after objects of desire thinking that these will bring happiness. We have failed to remember that happiness lies within and is our own true nature.
- Entering into interpersonal conflicts and having thoughts of hatred is forgetting to see the Self in others. It is the same with our thoughts of inferiority or superiority when compared to others.
- Becoming dependent in relationship to the point of losing one’s self respect, leading us to fear and abuse is forgetting one’s Self.
- Losing oneself in addictions is Self destruction.
- Losing oneself in the memories of the Past and acting out of the Past is Self Forgetfulness.
- Fearing the Future and becoming anxious and stressful is forgetting one’s capacity to be in the fulfilled Present.
- Depending on other people’s opinion of us is losing one’s Self in the illusions of name and fame.
- Wanting to please others is losing one’s Self and not remembering that the Self is in all.
Forgetting the Self makes us weak and ungrounded. This means we live in the illusions of others. Remembering the Self in all will make us strong, balanced and interdependent.
by SWAMI SITARAMANANDA
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Cat-Cow Extension Sequence Pose
Benefits: Strengthens abs, back; stretches hips; keeps spine flexible
Helps: Weak core, stiff back, poor balance
1. Begin on all fours, shoulders directly over your wrists and hips directly over your knees.
2. As you inhale, tilt your sit bones up toward the ceiling, reach your chest through your upper arms, and arch your back into cow pose (bitilasana).
3. As you exhale, tuck your chin in toward your chest, point your tailbone down between your knees, and round your back into cat pose (marjaryasana).
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3.
5. Next, as you inhale, raise your left arm out in front of you, thumb pointing up, and extend your right leg out behind you. Hold this position for a moment.
6. Then, as you exhale, round your back into cat pose and your left elbow and right knee in to meet under your chest. Hold for a moment.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for one to four more sets before switching sides.
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Down-Dog-to-Plank Sequence Pose
Benefits: Strengthens shoulders, core, upper back; stretches shoulders
Helps: Weak core, tight shoulders, breath-movement coordination
1. Start on all fours with your wrists 6 to 12 inches in front of your shoulders. Separate your knees to hip-width apart and curl your toes under.
2. On an exhale, come into downward-facing dog pose (adho mukha svanasana): lift your knees off the floor, reach your sit bones toward the ceiling, and straighten your legs. Hold for two breaths.
3. On an inhale, shift your weight forward into the top of a pushup, plank pose. Reach back through your heels and forward through the crown of your head, shifting your gaze down to your mat to keep your neck long. Keep your core strong and straight. Hold for two breaths.
4. On an exhale, push back into down dog, rolling from the balls of your feet to your heels.
5. On your next inhale, shift forward into plank, repeating the sequence by following your breath to move between the two poses. Do 5 to 10 rounds.
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Let Go and Let Love
Just as the bird has to let go of the branch in order to fly, in the same way we also need to let go to experience and express love.
The branches we hold on to are our attachments (people and objects). When we mentally hold on to something or someone, we open ourselves to feel fear, pain, anger and possessiveness.
Love is about letting go and letting others be. It’s about appreciating and accepting without dependency and expectation.
