Nov
29
By Ken Steele
I started out years ago in beginner's yoga. I am still in beginner's yoga, but recently connected with the teachings of yoga master, Erich Schiffman. In his book (Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness, available at the GVPL) and on his website (movingintostillness.com), he introduced me to an approach that gives primacy to meditation as a means of communicating with The Infinite of which we are all a part. The asanas or postures are both informed by our meditation and a way to relax in order to enjoy a deeper meditation. (See Part One on "Stillness, The Core of Goodness, Why Yoga? and What does it Feel Like?) Erich indicates that his teachings are a how-to manual on how to become your own best teacher. With respect to the asanas, he recommends that you utilize your breath and "lines of energy" to approach positions that are "pleasing." (See Part Two on "asana Fundamentals, The Wind Through The Instrument, Lines Of Energy and Playing the Edge.")
Erich points out that yoga means union - union with what he refers to as The Infinite (See Part Four on "Meditation, Listening for Guidance, Remember to Remember and The Royal Practice.") Meditation, to his way of thinking cultivates our intuition - our attunement to our inner voice - a new way of thinking. Whether it's meditation, the asanas, or life in general "it's a matter of listening inwardly for guidance all the time, and then daring enough and trusting enough to do as you are prompted to do." Erich likens meditation as a gradual dying of cloth, with each session resulting in a darker dye that resists fading when you take it out into your daily life. At first, the inner voice might fade rather rapidly after meditation, but, if you are consistent, the inner voice will stay with you longer and longer until it eventually becomes your constant companion and guide.
Part Three of the teachings are detailed descriptions on how to practice the asanas - something that you can refer to as needed. My view is that the innovative contribution is in the other parts of the teachings. Erich asserts that if you practice moving into stillness: "You'll feel different about yourself... less fearful... more authentic, more like the real you - happy...When you take the time to become centered and still in order to experience yourself with clarity, you'll experience what is true."