Our basic philosophy:
Yoga is a practice, art form, and tool to raise awareness. It is apart of the movement to help in the fundamental transformation of humanconsciousness. This begins with the individual and moves outwardly. Thisconscious transformation is moving toward the recovery ofright-relationships and the restoration of our vital link with nature; theending of wars outward and inward; of continuing to apply social justice toall of our considerations of law and personal policy; recognizing theimportance to end prejudice of all kinds; and healing ourselves and ourEarth.
The following are qualities of the Yoga School of Kailua (YSK):
- We honor humor as the gateway to the experience ofwholeness of the heart, soul and psyche. It benefits the function andwellness of a whole, integrated, healthy, peaceful system. We willexercise our ability to laugh at ourselves, and not to take ourselves soseriously. There are many challenges to being alive in the new millennium.To function with humor in the face of modern life is the greatest gift.The YSK is dedicated to our being in touch with this lightness of being.
- Friendship is a key to the teaching. We're all eye to eye. Noone expects devotion; this may even be a detriment if expressed in anunrealistic way. But a dedication to the whole---friendship, humor, focus,soul, sacred, attention, hard work, the ability to observe one's fears andbeing able to look at our own insecurity, violence or anger, ability tocommunicate on soul/psyche, verbal/nonverbal levels (listening skills and agood attitude are non-verbal skills)---are essential.
- One never arrives at a later date in the future. Life isarriving, being here from moment to moment. Graduation is arite-of-passage but also a beginning. In every yoga lesson, whether yourown personal lesson or one you receive, you will find, is this quality ofreturning to the beginning. Phony spirituality or ego trips areunnecessary diversions taking us all away from the truth. Spirituality isan ongoing, unfolding, in the moment gift that comes spontaneously, free ofeffort or desire. It is not a place in the future.
- YSK teachers are sensitive and aware. When you rely on thisSchool to teach you the art of complete, balanced exercise, meditation,peace and well-being, be genuine, open your heart and mind. It is helpfulfor one to be open to analysis, critique and review. Talk immediatelyabout your feelings.
- Yoga psychology: Our psychological nature is integral withthe physical body. We store information from our memories everywhere. Thehatha yoga (physical yoga) process opens our physical channels to beobserved by the logical, cognitive side of our brain and being. In yogasessions with you, you will be encouraged to open these channels so thatyour physical and mental bodies can work together to release and heal onvery deep, cellular levels. This will happen with or without guidance. Ifyou are open to the guidance, your processing of "old stuff" willundoubtedly move more quickly. This is a beautiful, healing process ofwell-being, and deep peace.
- This leads again to the importance of humor and laughter.
I would rather see someone come into his/her own not reallyunderstanding what is going on, in an innocent way, free of fear, willingto goof-up, willing to make a mistake, willing to laugh at oneself, than tobe a cardboard imitation of some image of a yogi. This pretension iscounter productive. Humor is the greatest healer. It nurtures us. Thevibrations of laughter heal us of ills, physical and mental, psychic and ofthe soul. Being able to laugh at the self is a part of the ability tolaugh from the gut. Also, to see humor in life is a meditation in thesacred, unfolding moment. One is in a meditative state when laughter isoccurring. Be free to explore your own hidden humor quotient.
- Creativity is always encouraged in the Yoga School of Kailua.Unlike a hierarchical system in which dictates and rules are applied tosome rigid form, we are a creative school which is always changing; as youand I, and the universe around us are always changing. There is aparticular "style" that you will be introduced to, but creativity withinthis "style" will be attended.
This creativity is a movement in life to access one's senseof humor, to stay in the present moment, to prevent dwelling on problemsyou cannot solve; or not solving the problems you can solve, etc.
- Of equal importance is the philosophy. The mental,psychic, sacred, and soul part of this great art moves in tandem with therest: the exercise and hard work. Readings and writings will be encouragedon a weekly schedule and your personal interest.
This may seem like a disciplined regime. It is, certainly.Discipline, from disciple, means to learn, to comprehend, to take apartcompletely, and to hold. The words above, that you have just read are notcomplete, only a starting point. Take it seriously but not too seriously.This work is full of paradox. You will learn all about this. It will alsobe the most fun and most gratifying experience of your life.
As we begin the 21st century, it will be apparent that the work weare doing will be fundamental in helping to save people from poverty of thespirit, which is a rapidly growing dis-order in communication/industrialsociety. This dis-order is affecting the health and well-being of allspecies on this small planet. Good planets are hard to find. We mustshare in the care of this one. Remember, too, there is a universalexponential movement in spirit, of which you will be a part, and areprobably already a part. Cherish this thought.
Also, of equal importance is our recognition and healing of thecontinuing move by humans away from Nature. We are Nature and Nature isus. There is no separation. Your role is essential to personal healing,well-being, and peace of the planet we share as our spiritual home. Thisapplies to all of our relationships. Our human trend is toward anEarthnocentricity---Earth-human-centeredness---we forget we are a part of avast unthinkable universe and we just dwell "down here," forgetting ourlink with the rest. Wake up. We are the future inhabitants of aconsciousness aware of its place in the universe. Remember, "if it ain'tfun, better left undone."
Respectfully,
Louisa DiGrazia, Director
* Yoga School of Kailua *