The four gates of speech
Today for my restorative class I was inspired to use the theme of awareness in our speech. Often in yoga we talk about the importance of awareness of our breath, of our body, our community, ourselves. But I also wanted to bring in the idea of being aware of how we speak- speak to others, speak to ourselves.
This came to me because yesterday I had lunch with a dear friend. And afterwards I went home thinking that I was a complaining a bit in my conversation and even being critical of some other people. I thought that it would be nice if I could be more mindful with my speech.
So today in my restorative class, I spoke about how in the Buddhist tradition there are the four gates of speech. Four questions that are like thresholds, where you pause and ask you yourself these four things before you speak.
And they are:
1) Is it truthful?
2) Is it kind?
3) Is it the appropriate time?
4) Is it necessary?
I spoke how yoga is aligning and connecting to the highest, not only in the way we hold ourselves physically through exquisite alignment, but also in the way we think, move, and even speak.
I chose to do four poses today and in each one I offered one of the four gates, inviting the students to silently contemplate them.
We did a gentle opening pose, with one rolled blanket supporting the entire spine.
Then we did a twist on both sides.
We then moved into a seated pose and did a short meditation on the breath and on madhya (the pauses between the breath).
And we ended with Savasana.
I adjusted everyone physically and also verbally.
I always watch everyone during restorative- I never allow myself to "check out" not even for a moment. And I noticed how as the class progressed the collective energy seemed to go deeper and deeper into a place of rest. People seemed really relaxed at the end of class.
I offered eucalyptus oil to awaken and enliven everyone afterwards, especially since we are all a bit spacy after restorative!
I love how creative we can get as Anusara yoga teachers while teaching similar poses all the time. The theme- whether it is a restorative class or a regular class- makes all the poses feel differently. Often I hear that people think Anusara is very rigid. But in reality I find that as a teacher of this system, it allows for incredible freedom while providing such a strong structure for you to play on. I'm so grateful that I get to pick whatever theme piques my interest and still make it universal!
Good night everyone.
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