There is a lot of misunderstanding about prayer. Many people avoid it due to its connection to and association with religion. So let’s begin with my view and understanding based on a yogic perspective and on the 8 elements of excellence.

Prayer is one part of the whole picture of connection to the Self, the Unknown part of your existence. It is within the realm of this Unknown Self that we speak to when we pray. Prayer is not something that we use to ask for, plea with and/or dictate to something outside of ourselves. It is a simple tool that helps to complete a full conscious practice. It’s very act amplifies gratitude, humility, and understanding.

Yoga is about union between the body, mind & soul. Although our Western Society focuses mostly on the physical part of yoga, a complete practice would include meditation (for the mind and for deep listening), contemplation (to expand knowledge and understanding) AND prayer (to speak truthfully and compassionately to oneself). When applied to the 8 Elements of Excellence, we use prayer as a fuel source to gain access to the energy required to fulfill our purpose, goals or vision. Prayer opens the flow of communication and creativity with the Unknown that shows us the tasks, direction, and responsibility involved in our vision. Prayer puts the ego in check so that the soul can speak and be heard.

The idea that we are separate from anything outside of ourselves does not exist in the yoga world. Everything we are looking for is within our Being. We are the Macro and the Micro. WE are both the inner and the outer, the known and the unknown. Prayer is the means to connect to your inner wisdom and see the world through the eyes of compassion, service and grace. When we can start and end our day in prayer, our entire day be held in prayer. With practice you will soon become a walking prayer, able to hold steady your vision as the world navigates and guides you on the journey of truth and life.

Here is one of my favorite ways to pray. Give it a try or you may want to reach into our own resources and Consciousness and do our own thing.

Start with sitting or lying down and becoming aware of your breath. Follow it with your mind, feel it moving in and out.

Notice everything about your breath, it’s speed, it’s depth, it’s quality. Let it find its own natural rhythm.

Then begin to feel gratitude for your breath. You may even say something like “I am thankful for my inhale. I am thankful for my exhale.”

Slowly allow the gratitude to move to the other parts of your life, giving each thing your full attention and recognition.

Continue for as long as you like and end with thanking yourself for the time you spent.

You may also wish to sit in silent meditation opening yourself up to listening and guidance.

Here are a few Yoga poses to open the heart for greater prayer experience:

Cobra

Camel Pose

Namaste

Paula