 By Françoise E. Netter, M.A.
November/December, 2009
Helloand Welcome again.. Have you been practicing the Complete Breath? Have you been able to let go and stay contented even while faced with life‘s challenges? For those of you new to this column, I invite you to email me for back-issues of the column or the magazine itself.
I thought with the holidays approaching, it would be appropriate to look at he deeper meanings of Yoga and some Sanskrit terms that are both timeless and significant for our modern lives. Let‘s examine the terms Dharmaand Namasteand see how we can actualize these meanings to improve our lives and our world.
Every so often I am able to watch the Oprah Show while working out. Yesterday, she dedicated her one-hour show to the story of a little girl diagnosed with Child Schizophrenia. At first, I didn‘t understand why Oprah would spend an entire hour on this subject but then while she was interviewing this child‘s parents on Skype, I ?got? it.
It was clear from the story that the child‘s parents made huge sacrifices in order to keep this child alive. Sacrifices that most of us would not only balk at but, but simply give up on. Ironically, this little girl‘s father almost did just that, trying to end his life, but reversed his actions at the last minute while contemplating the thoughts that he could not abandon his family no matter how challenging his life and the situation was. On some level, these parents realized that no matter how difficult, this was their Dharma.
The term, Dharma,refers to our highest soul‘s purpose and to making a difference in the world with right action. Many of us in the Western World think Dharmahas to do with an exclusive purpose that may include fame and fortune. But I believe, those fulfilling their highest purpose are often doing the most simple and sometimes difficult tasks. Someone in a janitorial position could be fulfilling his or her Dharmamore effectively then a wealthy celebrity who is world famous. Close your eyes, take three complete breaths and reflect on the circumstances of your life right now. Imagine what you have always felt was your life‘s mission or purpose. Open your eyes, write these down--what your life looks like now and what you‘ve always dreamed of doing. (Remember that your Dharmamay be like a seed hidden in the circumstances of your life right now or you may be oceans away from what is true for you. In either case it is important to not only be aligned with your Dharma, but to be contented with your life whether it appears easy or difficult, fun or tedious.)
I remember my Yoga Master said, ?The food you put in your body is very important, but even more important is the food you put in your mind.? Our attitude and thoughts about our circumstances are even more important then the circumstances themselves. Because once we change our thoughts and perception, everything outwardly aligns itself.
When Yogis refer to Dharma, they always equate it with the goals of Yoga, which are both bliss and union. So in the next month as you contemplate your Dharmacontinue to practice the complete breath, relaxing and letting go in Savasana while observing your thoughts and attitudes. Even though the circumstances of your life may seem distant from what you imagined as your highest purpose, by changing your attitude and dealing with what is in front of you with joy and surrender, those very circumstances may transform into your wildest dreams and true Dharma.
In Yoga class we often end our practice with mantras or by simply saying Namaste. Namastemeans ?I honor the Sellf in you that is the same Self in me. To me, it encapsulates the greatness of this ancient science. Yoga teaches us to respect both the snowflake in each of us—the diversity and beauty of our differences—while embracing the part of us we share with everyone and everything—our oneness.
As we celebrate the Holidays this season and the commencement of a New Year, let us begin to incorporate the meanings of Dharma and Namasteinto our thoughts and actions. Wherever you may find yourself in life, let Yoga begin to permeate and soothe the rough edges you encounter and transform them into ease and greatness.
?I welcome you with all my heart.?
Namaste,
Françoise
© 2009, Françoise E. Netter, M.A.
Francoise E. Netter, M. A., President of Body/Mind Dynamics is a teacherand presenter in yoga, stress management, creativity development, dance, and dance therapy. With thirty years international experience, Francoise is available for private consultations, coaching, and workshops, ongoingclasses and training programs. Email: fenetter@yahoo.com Phone: 303-960-6000 Web: www.bodyminddynamics.org
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