Unravel The Thread: Living the Yoga Sutra today

The more invested we are in our identity the greater our attachment to our life. What is your life? Do you live your life with a tacit assumption that your embodied life will last for a long time? Can you consider that millions of people before you have lived and died and that life itself has continued? https://simple-yoga.org/ You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Are you in charge of your likes and dislikes, or are they driving your decisions and actions? What is the origin of your wanting and cravings? To what extent do you believe that your likes and dislikes define who you are? Is there any time during your day when you are free from all of your preferences? https://simple-yoga.org/ You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

What is your sense of "I"? Is there something in you that is not temporary? Do you entertain misperceptions distorting who you think you are such as “I am not good enough,” “I am not complete,” “I am lacking” and “I do not deserve unconditional love”? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Avidya leads you to get entangled in endless internal chatter What in you is permanent? What in you is impermanent? What is pure? Wat is impure? How do you know the difference? What motivates you to be fully present in your life? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Not knowing who you are (avidya), misidentification (asmita), likes (raga), dislikes (dvesha) and fear of daying (abinivesha). Is your identity at your service or are you at the service of your identity? How much energy do you invest in pursuing what you desire and rejecting what you dislike? Is it possible to make peace with the undeniable fact that one day you will die? https://simple-yoga.org/ You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Yogic actions result in dynamic harmony What afflictions take you away from your natural harmony and balance? Is it true that acting with enthusiasm, intelligence and humility helps you remove the tensions that disrupt the integrated harmony between body, mind and emotion? Are you aware of the significant difference between uncovering existing afflictions and creating new ones? https://simple-yoga.org/yoga-philosophy/ You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Act with enthusiasm, intelligence and humility To engage in any worthwhile action, you need enthusiasm. Tapas, enthusiasm can best be synthesized as: Do the best that you can. Svadhyaya is embodied intelligence that can be applied by ensuring that you know why you are doing what you are doing, and by confirming that you are in fact doing what you think you are doing. Ishvara pranidhana can be summed up as sincere intention coupled with wholehearted action. https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

An exploration of the state of being This first chapter consists of six interconnected topics: what is yoga? [1.1-1.4], ways of being [1.5-1.11], a method for self-regulation [1.12-1.22], an alternative approach, humility [1.23-1.29], distractions, their symptoms and removal [1.30-1.39], the progression of insight into liberation [1.40 - 1.51] https://unravelthethread.com/ You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

All Impressions and identification dissolve The level of integration when there are no subconscious impressions left (nirbija samadhi). Culmination of the process of cultivating your natural inner stillness and inner silence with the curiosity that might reveal the obvious yet elusive essence of existence. https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Beneficial impressions contain unhelpful impressions As you remove distractions and experience your inner calmness you allocate more energy and attentional resources to helpful impressions. Then the less-than-helpful impressions dwindle and, eventually, disappear. Are your unhelpful tendencies diminishing? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Bearing the truth in one’s self (rtambhara) Witness with greater clarity the intricate and delicate interconnectedness between all aspects of life. Your direct experience of wisdom cannot be replaced by inference and testimony. How does wisdom manifest in your daily activities? Do the insights you receive, when you trust them, result in greater harmony? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Releasing ways of being Free from distractions. Ways of being neutralized. Wisdom. Is the internal voice that comments and judges everything you perceive becoming quieter? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Eventually the focal object is released Two interpretations of bija, as focal point and as subconscious impressions that remain and generate future actions. A practice to release the focal object of the meditation. https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Experiencing pure awareness directly What are the subtlest aspects of your own experiences? What is beyond your subtlest aspect? What is the space where all experiences take place? https://unra https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ velthethread.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Focus on subtler objects of meditation What focal objects are fascinating enough to invite you into these deeper stages of meditation? What effect does it have on you to experience a focal object directly? What effect does that have on your beliefs, values, desires, and interests? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

The meditation object stands alone Are you noticing a refinement in your perception? To what extent can you be so absorbed in something that your internal chatter stops? When that happens, do you experience objects, actions and interactions with greater vividness? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

First stage of integration, savitarka samadhi Once there are no distractions, awareness is filled by the focal object, its name and its meaning. This is the beginning of integration (samadhi). https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Yielding, giving way and coming together (samapatti) At the threshold of integration. Letting go of internal commentary and reactivity. What is coloring your experiences? Is it possible to perceive without distortions? If some distractions remain, are they connected to who you think you are, used to be or should be? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Progression of insight towards liberation What are the filters you use to interpret what you perceive? What happens when you set aside your usual ways of seeing the world? What happens when your attention is not directed in many different directions? What is the biggest thing you can focus on? What is the smallest thing you can focus on? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Are you inspired? Are you dedicating your energy and awareness to something uplifting? How does inspiration feel? Are you cultivating inspiring thoughts, intentions, actions and interactions in your daily life? Is it possible to find inspiration in everything you do? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

What can you learn from your dreams? Is dreaming a way to make sense of your own life story? Do dreams show you the influence of your thoughts, actions and interactions? As your inner calmness grows, what subconscious impressions linger in you? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Are you in touch with your deep inner calm? Cultivating inner tranquility. What makes you forget your inner peace? Are your desires contributing to enhance your internal harmony? What inspires you? Who can serve as an example of profound serenity? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Are you conscious of your inner light? What might be covering your inner light? To what extent is it possible for you to connect to your inner light? What happens when you try gazing at a candle flame (trataka)? Can joyful thoughts ignite your inner light? Is gratitude effective in re-connecting to your inner light? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Eliminate distractions by focusing on subtle sense perceptions Develop sensitivity to focus your senses instead of chasing after sensory stimuli. Internal exploration through direct experience. What do you notice? Where does your awareness go as subtle impressions dissolve? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Your breath as a focal point Tuning into your breathing patterns as a direct portal to presence. Invite your attention inwardly and establish an intimate connection with your respiratory processes. Are there differences between the qualities of your breath when you regulate it and when your body breathes naturally? What happens at the intersections between each in-breath and out-breath? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

How do you counteract your biases and prejudices? Harmonizing single pointed focus with attitudes of moderation. What do you feel for people who are happy? How do you feel about people who are suffering? How do you respond when you notice someone being virtuous? What do you do in the face of reproachable actions? How do your opinions influence your body and emotions? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

What is important enough to deserve your undivided attention? What do you invest your energy, time and resources in? Do you suspect that that other times and places are more important than the place you are in right now? What is the source of your distractions? What is really lasting? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Distress, despair, suffering, trembling, abruptness breathing. Are you content? Symptoms of distractions manifest physically, mentally and emotionally. They are feedback to your previous actions and may suggest changes to enhance the quality of your participation in your life. Is there physical, mental or emotional dis-ease? Is your breath steady and continuous, or labored? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

What obstacles and distractions are keeping you from progressing toward greater integration? The obstacles and distractions include: disease (vyadi), dullness (styana), doubt (samshaya), carelessness (pramada), laziness (alasya), indulgence (avirati), confused perception (bhranti darshana), inability to be grounded (alabdha bhumikatva) and inconsistency (anavasthitatvani) https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Does chanting OM turn awareness inward and remove obstacles? Verify if the practice of chanting OM and meditation on its meaning is working. Notice if there is more or less reactivity in you. Are you more distracted or less? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

The OM symbol and practice to reflect on Supreme Being Practice for embodying the path of ishvara pranidhana, the wholehearted cultivation of humility by repeating the syllable OM and contemplating its deep meaning. The repetition is a reminder of your interest, motivation and awareness. Feel the sensations before, during and after each chant. As you chant open yourself up to the mind transcending meaning of Supreme Being. https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Are you making yourself available to life? Does your yoga practice transport you into the eternal present moment? Have you found ways to enter the timelessness dimension of life? Are you tuned into your own learning process? Do you know how you learn best? If you keep running against the same obstacles again and again, are you making conscious choices or are your likes and dislikes choosing for you? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Is all-encompassing, pervasive awareness possible? If you ever get subtle helpful hints that provide insight or clarity, where do these hints come from? How do you actually perceive them? How do you distinguish between an idea and true insight? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Is there anything not influenced by obstacles, actions or their effects? Notice if you are affected by pain, action, consequences and their impressions. Is it possible for you to deactivate the buttons that trigger your pain and reactivity? Can you be open to the possibility that there may be something, some aspect of existence, that remains free of influence from these factors? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Gain a deeper perspective This verse invites you to recognize that you did not create yourself, or the Universe and, despite whatever you may believe, you are not in control of the world. Gaining a more accurate understanding of you and your sphere of influence can be an effective way of redirecting your energy to act effectively in the world according to your capacity, level of skill, ability and scope. Is there anything that offers you a sense of unconditional support, encouragement and hope? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Consistent commitment and smart regulation of intensity The results of your practice are proportional to your commitment and the intensity of your practice. Knowing your tendencies and having a clear goal can help you find the level of intensity that will make the process enjoyable and sustainable. To what extent is there a sense of urgency in you to practice because your practice enables you to participate fully in each irreplaceable moment of your life? Is your practice balanced and balancing? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Faith, vitality, memory, evenness and wisdom Gradual process from trust that generates confidence and enthusiasm to stay focused on the goal of the journey. Memory helps to stay on the path and gradually the mind settles. Then, it is more likely to notice insights and wisdom arising. How are you cultivating your trust and confidence? Are you energized by your life choices? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Relationship to your body and disembodiment The counterbalance and complement between life and conscience. Do you identify with your body? Do you identify with your beliefs? What happens when you explore disembodiment? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Inner stillness and silence with some impressions remaining As your inner silence increases are you noticing some patterns in the thoughts, memories and ideas disrupting that silence? What has left strong impressions in you? How do those impressions influence your decisions and behavior? Are you at peace with your past? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Gradually refining your awareness As a result of practice and detachment, distractions decrease and concentration can move organically to greater levels of subtlety from reflection, to contemplation, to elation and to deep inner stillness. What is the subtlest aspects of you? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Setting all distractions aside It is possible to stop chasing after sensations, thoughts and emotions. What is not temporary? Is there anything that lasts? When you contemplate impermanence, do you notice any changes in your mood, thoughts and actions? What is the background of all of life? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Complementing practice with freedom from grasping What are the sources of distraction for me at home, at work, in my yoga practice and in my interactions with others? What do I crave? What are the expectations, beliefs and habits I am attached to? Do I have a healthy relationship with whatever comes into my life? Am I trying to control the world outside? Do I have to have an opinion about everything? Am I entertaining myself by making up stories about everything I am experiencing? Can it be enough to just feel what is happening with clarity? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Making your yoga practice consistent Is your practice without interruptions? Are you doing your best effort? Do your actions reflect your intention? Are you acting with joyful curiosity or with ambition? What are the qualities of your actions? Are your actions validated by true knowledge? Since it is probable you will get distracted, for an instant, a few minutes, hours, days, months or years; remember to keep returning to your intention without strain, struggle or self-judgment and with a gentle smile. https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Setting a meaningful intention to guide your practice What are your commitments? Are your commitments aligned with your heartfelt purpose? What do you allocate energy and time to? What is your goal for your yoga practice? How is that goal similar to or different from the goals you have for your life? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Method for decreasing ways of being Integrating the complementary aspects of Being and Doing to create a dynamic equilibrium that brings about harmony within and without. https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

How do my memories influence my ability to be present? Is my attitude old or young? What is my relationship to my memories? Are some of my memories charged with unresolved emotions? Can I make peace with my memories? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

How does my sleep contribute to my ability to be present? Are there differences between dreaming and deep sleep? What are the relationships between my activities and the quality of my sleep? What is active during my sleep? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Do my thoughts contribute to the quality of my participation in my life? What are the stories in my head? What is the role of the stories I create? Is my imagination contributing to my presence? Does my imagination distract me from my life? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Is there a gap between what I think I am doing and what I am actually doing? Do I do what I say I do? Do my actions match my intentions? How can I ensure that what I know is true? https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe

What do I know and how do i know it? Explore what I know, how I know it and how can I ensure that what I know is correct. https://simple-yoga.org You can get your copy of the book Unravel the Thread at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737648202/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simpleyoga.substack.com/subscribe