This month, we move deeper into the layers from which we draw our sense of self. In yoga philosophy, this next layer is prāṇa, which translate to "vital force" in English. We usually relate this layer to the breath, since it is the most accesible way in which we experience this vital force. During this past week, I have made a point to remind you of the breath as we practiced, and I hope you were able to notice the effect that focusing on breathing with more presence can have on you.

This week we move into a different layer of the self — citta. This Sanskrit word is often translated as “mind,” yet its meaning extends far beyond that. In much of the world, we have grown accustomed to separating thoughts from emotions — as if the mind and the heart were two different territories. But in yoga philosophy, citta embraces both. Thoughts and emotions are understood as different vibrations within the same field of awareness called citta: thoughts are vibrations with a stronger linguistic and logical component, while emotions are vibrations with greater affective charge.

As we continue to explore the layer of self related to the body, we will bring our attention to how the qualities of steadiness and ease shape our perception of self. In Sanskrit, these two qualities are sthira and sukha. To understand them better we have to look beyond their surface meaning.

This week we move to a different layer of Self. Dehas is a Sanskrit word that means "that which is formed". It is commonly used to refer to the physical body. This layer hits closer to home for all of us —It is something we can easily relate to. We inherit many physical traits from our parents, as well as part of their demeanor. I was talking to my sister the other day about how much of my nephew's way of moving reminded me of his father. It is not exactly the same, of course, but it carries a similar air. This, I think, adds a subtle layer to our sense of self. 

As many of you know, I went back to school earlier this year. It has been quite an adjustment to step into that kind of environment again. One of the first things that I noticed is that there is a very academic way in which language is used. It is like a subgroup within a language. As I interacted with it, I started to get the hang of it. Even though it is still a work in progress, I am learning to express myself in that way in that environment.

A while ago, I learned about the importance of keeping my study area in order and clutter-free. As a student, I was told how having a messy desk, for instance, would make it harder for me to concentrate, since my attention would be drawn to all of the things scattered around my desk at one point or another. In fact, I did a little experiment and studied while sitting at a messy desk and on an orderly one. I do not know if it was the Virgo in me, but I was able to focus better when things were in order.