Discernment, or viveka in Sanskrit, is an essential quality that often goes overlooked in modern discussions about yoga. With yoga's rise in global popularity, there's been an increasing focus on postures, breathwork, and meditation techniques.

While these elements are undoubtedly important, discernment brings a depth to one's yogic journey that can't be ignored.

We often hear the phrase, "You're entitled to your opinion," usually deployed as a polite way to end a contentious debate or acknowledge differing views. But what does it truly mean to be entitled to one's opinion?

More importantly, what responsibilities come with expressing that opinion publicly?

When the pressure to stay constantly connected and productive seems relentless, the idea of "structured stillness" may seem like an oxymoron.

Yet, it's precisely in this hustle that the art of consciously engineered calmness proves to be a counterintuitive superpower.

In her thought-provoking poem "Habit," Jane Hirshfield dissects the nuanced nature of our daily routines and their influence on our identity. The poem is worth quoting in full for its profound impact:

POEM

HABIT

BY JANE HIRSHFIELD

In our quest to understand our place in the universe, Alan Watts offers an eloquent metaphor: envision an infinite, multidimensional spiderweb, adorned with raindrops at every juncture.

Each raindrop reflects all the others in a dazzling display of interconnectedness—a concept that stretches our understanding of self, others, and the cosmos itself.

In an era obsessed with outward success, it's easy to overlook the vast universe within us. We often seek answers outside ourselves, when the wisdom we seek has been within us all along.

Here lies a fascinating gem from the philosophies of Kashmir Shaivism: The Divine is not some external force you seek, but an intrinsic aspect of your very being.

In the labyrinth of spiritual thought and philosophy, one condition has the power to derail authentic spiritual development—getting caught in a "God Complex."

This concept, tangled with threads of solipsism, suggests an inflated sense of personal divinity, often leading to delusional beliefs about one's power and importance.

The journey of spiritual practice is an inward path, leading us to unravel the mysteries of our own being. But in the rush to turn inward, it's possible to get ensnared in an insidious trap: solipsism. This philosophical concept, which argues that only one's own mind is sure to exist, can manifest in spiritual practices as a form of myopic self-focus, blinding us to the interconnected tapestry of life.

It's all too easy to get lost in abstract debates when we discuss spiritual practices. We find ourselves circling hypothetical situations, considering the "what-ifs" and "what about thems" that take us far from our own experiences.

But here's the reality check: spiritual practices are profoundly personal. The issues that come up in these discussions can only truly be addressed within the context of a real person's lived experience.

In the vast ocean of content and creation, standing out requires more than just originality. It demands a unique blend of audacity and empathy, challenging norms while cherishing connections.

Enter the realm of being lovingly disruptive—a creator's way to instigate change, but with heart.

In a world teeming with self-help strategies, therapy techniques, and wellness routines, the ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho'oponopono offers a refreshing, heartfelt approach to healing and forgiveness.

Far from a fleeting trend, this indigenous wisdom can serve as a lifelong guidepost for emotional health and relational harmony. Ready for a transformative experience? Let's delve into the essence of Ho'oponopono.

Have you ever caught yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole of thoughts, convinced that what you're thinking is an undeniable reality? Whether it's self-doubt, overthinking decisions, or just day-to-day anxieties, our minds have a peculiar way of presenting thoughts as truths.

But here's a perspective shift: What if we began to view our thoughts as tools, not truths?

In our daily interactions, it's easy to get caught up in disagreements and misunderstandings that stem from poor communication. How can we ensure that what we're saying is received the way we intend it? One effective strategy comes from the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by Marshall Rosenberg. Among these principles, the concept of "unarguable statements" stands out as a powerful tool for improving the way we communicate.

"On one level, wisdom is nothing more profound than the ability to follow one’s own advice.” — Sam Harris

We've all been there—pushing tasks to the next day, letting emails pile up, telling ourselves we'll start that project "tomorrow." Procrastination is a trap many fall into, often dismissing it as a mere delay of the inevitable. But is it just about lost time? Let's delve deeper into the true costs that lie behind the curtain of procrastination.

In the vast tapestry of Zen Buddhism, there's a unique, meditative practice that captures the very essence of mindfulness — Shikantaza, often translated as "just sitting." While it sounds simple, this form of meditation holds depths of profound insight and transformative potential.

Let's embark on an exploration of Shikantaza and its transformative essence.

Time can often feel like a scarce commodity. Every tick of the clock can be a reminder of tasks undone, goals unmet, and dreams deferred.

This feeling of "never enough" seeps into our psyche, leading to a scarcity mindset. But what if the antidote to this pressing urgency lay in the stillness of meditation?

In our always-on, fast-paced rhythm of modern life, we often neglect a vital aspect of our well-being: rest. It's not just about catching up on sleep or binge-watching our favourite series. Rest is a profound, deliberate act that nourishes our souls and recharges our spirits—a self-care rebellion.

Let's delve into the transformative nature of rest, particularly through NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) and the ancient practice of yoga nidra.

Soooo, there you are, fired up and ready to create. Your tools are all laid out. Ideas are bubbling up. You're about to dive into the deep end of creativity... but wait, isn't that a stain on the carpet? Oh, and shouldn't you rearrange those books?

Suddenly, you're drowning in distractions and not a single stroke of genius has been made.

In our ever-evolving, hyper-connected world, the sanctuary of true rest often feels just out of reach. But, tucked away from the cacophony of mainstream conversations, two transformative practices offer profound restorative experiences:

NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) and Yoga Nidra. Let's explore these rejuvenating realms together.