The Nesting Doll

This week in classes we begin the 6 week map of the koshas. Koshas are our different sheaths that protect and conceal our true nature of pure consciousness and light. We are like little nesting dolls that when you open each layer of doll you get more and more subtle until you find a beautiful pearl in the center. We are that pearl. The pearl can never get dirty or lost because it is concealed by the subtle and gross layers of embodiment. However it can be forgotten. When our sheaths are out of balance, (which most are) they are so dim that we forget our true nature and what is of lasting importance in life. We have a case of mistaken identity being overtaken by fear, anger, depression etc. We forget that we are divine love, light, peace and balance. We forget our connection with ourselves, people and nature.

The analogy I like best to describe the koshas are lampshades. Our true nature is that of love and light and each subtle layer of embodiment covers that light like a lampshade... our mind, emotions, etc. These lampshades go from subtle to gross, the outmost lampshade being the physical body. This is the sheath we are exploring this week, the Annamaya Kosha. When a lampshade is dirty, dingy, and dusty it makes the light very dim. We can hardly see the bright light bulb underneath it all. Our work as yoginis is to clean each lampshade through our practice so our light shines through in all it's glory. When the physical body is inert, toxic, and diseased it is darkened and therefor the mind is darkened. When the mind is out of wack the emotions follow it's lead. When the physical body is strong, healthy, and vibrant from regular yoga practice, then our outermost lampshade is clean and clear so our light can shine a little brighter illuminating the heart and mind. How can we quiet the mind if the body has not already been addressed? It would be quite difficult. In yoga nothing lacks attention. Every layer of our being is given attention, cleaned and used to it's full potential. This week we discover the potential and capabilities of the physical body. We are practicing strong this week focusing on the Annamaya Kosha, bringing health and balance to the body and all of it's systems and functions.

I have a helper this week as well! Thanks to Doug, a little nesting doll is in the studio to give us a visual and help us understand the map of the koshas. We will see what the nesting doll will reveal next week....

"The word yoga signifies the means to realization of one's true nature" ~ Sri K. Pattabhi Jois