The Nested Layers of Consciousness

A few years ago I decided to face and digest a personality trait that I had avoided for decades. It was uncomfortable and scary to say the least, but I went ahead and did it. Over time I realized this issue had so many layers, which helped me understand why I had been avoiding it. It can be overwhelming and daunting to face things like this, but I had to start somewhere. So I took a first step, then another, and another. I am still walking. I do feel a deeper sense of accomplishment and self-awareness, even though the work continues.

In yoga there are many different perspectives from which reality can be seen and understood. They help us with the daunting task of knowing ourselves. In the coming months we’ll be exploring these layers together.

We’ll begin with the outermost layer, vastu. This Sanskrit word means “that in which one dwells.” Vastu doesn’t only refer to the house or apartment where we live, but to everything outside ourselves. In its broadest sense, it is the whole universe around us whether as near as the air brushing your skin or as distant as the farthest reaches of space. This week we will explore the relationship between matter and our awareness.

I look forward to seeing you in class.

Breathe easy,

Blessings,

Jorge Nihāl