In this section you can prepare for your practice in several aspects - all with an explorer's sense of curiousity to increase awareness.  Yoga is an endeavor that involves the mind, spirit and body. 

Here you’ll find direction on how to prepare all of you for this voyage toward balance. Please review carefully to find out how to prepare your mind, spirit and body - whether for a nilambu class or a yoga class elsewhere.

Mind

nilambu asks that you embrace the qualities of a 19th century sea explorer and cultivate these perspectives -

Curiosity
be inquisitive about your observations

Adventure
be open for anything to happen including a lot of fun

Patience
be prepared not to get to your goal on the most direct course or exactly how you planned

Endurance
be strong and don’t give up when your course goes astray or simply seems to lead nowhere

Courage
be fearless and willing to try new things and consider new approaches

Responsiveness
be reactive to your surrounding and your body, mind and spirit

Respect
be reverent of your journey and the changes that may ensue

Pride
be pleased with your effort and endeavors as well as your successes.

Your journey in the world of yoga may chart an unexpected course. Yield your body and your mind to whatever is. Balance is a dance of acceptance and adaptation. That which is flexible and able to yield to the wind is stronger. Nature is mutable. This journey will enable you to witness physical, mental or spiritual shifts - sometimes in ways unintended; sometimes in ways beyond your control.

Spirit
The quotes on the right from the Bhagavad Gita, Chuang Tze, and the Gospel of Mark are all from different traditions, but they speak to the unity of the universe.  We are all connected and coupled together in existence and being.  With that understanding, you can cultivate an atmostphere in your soul that will foster happiness and growth and understanding. 

nilambu suggests you read about and ponder the ethical precepts of yoga – the yamas and niyamas - to enrich the heart.  Click on the link for a fuller description of each and more about how the yamas and niyamas fit into the yogic journey.

The yamas guide how we relate to others and promote non-violence, truthfulness, selflessness, generosity and seeing the divine in others.

The niyamas guide how we relate to ourselves and encourage cleanliness, contentment, enthusiasm, study, dedication.

Also, the July 2003 issue of Shambhala Sun featured a perceptive essay entitled Yoga Chic and the First Noble Truth. I highly recommend you read here.

Body
nilambu recommends, first and foremost, you keep yourself clean and respect your body's needs as a daily part of your life. (This niyama is known as saucha or purity).

Other forms of exercise are encouraged – especially if you enjoy them.

Food is important nourishment and should be fresh and prepared lovingly – even if just for one.

To prepare for a nilambu session or class please -

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move.
• Keep your feet bare so please do not wear tights or any other items that cover your feet. (You may bring socks for Savasana – final corpse pose).
• Do not wear scents.
• Practice on an empty stomach. Refrain from eating 2 to 3 hours prior to your session.
• Consider bringing a small hand towel.

Mats, all props, a changing room and bottled water are all provided.

nilambu : a personal yoga studio
PO Box 40811, Washington DC 20016-0811 // email us // p: 202-333-8854