“Earth, may thy summer, and thy rains, and autumn, thy winter, and thy dewy frosts, and spring-time. May thy years, Prithivī! and ordered seasons, and day and night pour out for us abundance.”
// 36, Prthivī Sūkta, Atharva Veda
The word “yoga,” defined simply, is “union.” Patanjali, the great yoga master, referred to yoga as attaining mastery over the dynamic forces of the mind. Once the mind has been purified, disciplined, and brought to one-pointed focus, then union occurs between body and mind, consciousness and mind. We achieve wholeness. Ultimately, yoga brings us to the understanding of our interconnectedness with everything in the Universe, including this precious planet Earth.
April opens with the celebrations of Easter, rich with the symbolism of rebirth and renewal. All around us are budding trees and flowers, hillsides carpeted in lush green grass, baby birds hatching, and extra light at the end of the day. Earth Day also falls on the 22nd of this month.
The Prthivī Sūkta of the Atharva Veda is a poetic description of Earth. It’s hymns speak of a deep Hindu tradition of reverence for nature and all forms of life. The earth supports us, sustains us. Our health is intimately linked to sources of clean air, water, food, and time spent outdoors connecting with Mother Nature.
If yoga is about realizing the interconnectedness of all beings, how then can we take our practice off our individual mats and into the world? The answers lie in the foundational ethical principles for living found in the Yamas and Niyamas, the first two limbs of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga. Asteya (the third Yama) is the concept of non-harming, both towards ourselves and other beings. Non-harming is practiced in thought (how we speak towards ourselves), word (how we speak to others), and through our actions in the world.
This month, as we practice on our mats together we will observe our thoughts regarding our practice from a place of loving-kindness. As we step off our mats and into the world, we ask ourselves, “How can I help Earth, and all beings who share this planet with me?”
Here are a few ways we can increase our connection with others, and lessen our environmental impact:
- Plant a garden. Whether it’s flowers, herbs, or vegetables, it’s about getting your fingers into the earth and a little dirty!
- Support your local farmers. Visit your local farmer’s market one or more times a month. Fresh, organic produce is healthy for you and supports the farmer!
- Use re-useable cups and water bottles. The amount of plastic produced and then thrown away is shocking. https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/
- Park it. Walk, run, bike, ride Light Rail/BART/CalTrain one or more times a week if possible.
- Unplug and connect. Turn off the television, your laptop, your cellphone, and connect with your family or friends around the dinner table, on the beach, or for a walk in the woods.
- Tune in. Notice your surroundings, the colors, textures, and sounds, and how your energy responds to it.
- Breathe. Practice meditation and pranayam/breath-work.
LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU
May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom.
See you on the mat!
Claudia Fountain Fitness + Yoga 