Welcome! I hope you enjoy this practice.
There is about 10 minutes of introducing our theme at the beginning of the video, so if you want to get right to the to it, feel free fast forward 10 minutes in.
Svadhyaya translates into self-study. Becoming the witness in our lives and in our bodies is a wonderful gift that comes with the consistent reflection and the practice of yoga.
First we must unravel and reveal the many layers of the self –– the obstacles in the form of conditioning, negative or outdated belief systems, stories we run in our minds, and where we get stuck in projection and blame.
As we journey through the layers of the self, we can tap into our truest nature and the most divine parts of ourselves.
The koshas are considered the 5 layers of the self:
Annamaya kosha—Physical Layer: The first layer of consciousness consists of the physical (or “food”) body. It includes the muscles, bones, connective tissue, organs, fat, and skin.
Pranamaya kosha—Energetic Layer: The second layer of experience consists of subtle body energy, or the elements that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Breath and prana (life force energy) are part of this layer.
Manomaya kosha—Mental/Emotional Layer: Thoughts and emotions make up the third layer of being. Most people only consciously operate in these first three layers.
Vijnanamaya kosha—Intuitive/Wisdom Layer: The fourth layer is comprised of intuition and wisdom. In it lies the ability to connect to higher knowing, to follow intuitive impulses, and see the bigger picture beyond logic.
Anandamaya kosha—Bliss Layer: Finally, the fifth layer is the quiet place of peace, love, and joy that has no opposite—right at the center of your being. When operating from the anandamaya kosha, you experience a sense of presence and oneness among all beings.
(From Chopra.com)
I hope you enjoy today’s practice.
