The Royal Practice

In the early days when yoga was first bring developed, the primary practice was meditation, or centering. The poses came later as spontaneous expressions of that centered state. In combination these became the "royal practice'' because the ancients had found that through the discipline of yoga and quiet sitting they were able to access a new way of knowing and being and thereby become more intuitive and effective in all they were guided to do. This, they discovered, was the most direct way of experiencing firsthand the meaning of God, Guru, and Self.

They also discovered that intuitive revelation happens when one's mind, instead of thinking about other things, is unthinkingly attentive in the Now. The essence of the royal practice, was not one of advanced thinking and coming to intellectual conclusions. It was, and is, the practice of communion and listening.

Happily, one of the most rewarding side effects of yoga practice and meditation is the renewed zest of life you will experience. This happens spontaneously when you simply take the time to sit quietly, relax, and consciously immerse yourself in the feeling of peace. When you go within and expand beyond your usual sense of self - when you "move into stillness" and experience the infinite I AM Presence - you will come alive with the enthusiasm of life. You will sense the creative movement or flow of ceaseless Being and find yourself charged with new energy, new creativity. You will feel moved to move, to express. You will be inspired to action. Your yoga and meditation practices will become even more meaningful and potent, and you'll find yourself practicing with renewed conviction.

Your job will be that of yielding to the flow. Traditionally, this has been called "surrender." It is the active choice for "Thy Will be done." It is the most intelligent, fulfilling thing to do. You surrender your best sense of what to do or not do, and instead trust in the flow of Being. This is when yoga becomes more than practice and practices - and becomes your way of life. Then you realize there is no such thing as practice! Never was. There is only the real thing, ever - and always.