Understanding the Concept of Oneness
Aikyam ऐक्यम् living embodies principles that lay the foundation for a profound understanding of the phenomenon we call life. In our yoga practice this coming month, we will explore insights that begin to silently shake and awaken the fibers of our existence, our relationships to others, and the world we call home.
Oneness is the recognition that everything in the universe is interconnected and interdependent. It is an understanding that the individual self is not separate from the larger whole. This perspective can transform how we interact with the world & all beings fostering a deeper sense of compassion, empathy, and unity.
Oneness is seen in:
- The ocean and a single wave
- The forest and a single tree
- The human body and a single cell
- A symphony and a single note
- The universe and a single star
These examples illustrate how individual consciousness is birthed from universal consciousness and then subsides back into universal consciousness.
Other Names for Individual & Universal Consciousness:
- Humans – The Universe
- Manifest – Unmanifest
- Feminine – Masculine
- Shakti – Shiva
- Prakasha – Prakriti
In the practice of yoga, oneness is not just a philosophical idea but an experiential reality. Through meditation, breathwork, and asana practice, we can begin to sense the seamless connection between our inner world and the external universe. This realisation helps dissolve the illusion of separateness and aligns us with the flow of life itself.
Aikyam invites us to live from a place of unity, where our actions are guided by a deep awareness of our interconnectedness. It encourages us to see beyond the surface differences and recognise the shared essence that binds us all. This month, as we delve into the practice of oneness, let us open our hearts and minds to the profound truth that we are all threads in the intricate tapestry of existence.
Pose of the month
Pose – One legged king pigeon pose
Sanskrit – Eka Pāda Rājakapotāsana 2
Pronounced – aa-KAH pah-DAH rah-JAH-cop-poh-TAHS-anna
Type – Backbend
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II, also known as the One-Legged King Pigeon Pose variation two is particularly beneficial for individuals living in the Western world looking to open up, due to several key reasons.
First, it provides a deep stretch to the hip flexors & fronts of thighs crucial for counteracting the effects of prolonged sitting commonly associated with desk jobs. Additionally, the backbend aspect of the pose enhances spinal flexibility, promoting better posture and alleviating back pain.
This pose also encourages deep breathing and mindfulness, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety, a common issue in our fast-paced Western lifestyles. Furthermore, it improves blood circulation to the lower body, addressing the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle.
Lastly, the balance and coordination required for this pose contribute to overall physical stability and agility. These combined benefits make Eka Pada Rajakapotasana an excellent addition to routines aimed at mitigating the physical and mental strains of our modern Western living and bringing us back to a sense of oneness again.
Don’t worry!!
In Jivamukti the class is structured so that the body is prepared; stretched, strengthened and opened by visiting the requisite shape and effort in preparatory postures so that our destination posture each month begins to feel more and more accessible over the 4/5 weeks of practice.
Book your first discounted class now! Use the code AUM
Mantra of the month
The Anusara Invocation:
Om Namah Shivaya Gurave Saccidananda Murtaye Nisprapancaya Shantaya Niralambaya Tejase
I open my heart to the power of Grace that lives in us as goodness, that is never absent, radiates peace and lights the way for transformation
