a center for
personal and planetary
awakening

Mystic River Yoga
196 Boston Avenue
Suite 3900
Medford, MA 02155

781 396 0808
info@MysticRiverYoga.com

ystic River Yoga is a center for personal and planetary awakening because we feel that although yoga begins as a personal practice and a self discipline, it soon becomes obvious that we, as humans, are nested into a much larger living organism, the Earth. A complex living organism is composed of cells, which group together to form organs, which combine with other organs to create organ systems, which combine with other organ systems to create a living organism. In turn, each organism can be seen to be like a cell, combining with others of its kind to create a species, combining with other species to create ecosystems, combining with other ecosystems into continents and oceans, all combining to create the living Earth.

Any practice for healing and awakening that we undertake (such as yoga) must take place within the context of the healing and awakening of the Earth as well. We as humans, must find a way to live harmoniously within the community of all beings, but we must also find a way to live within the community of diverse human cultures, religions and belief systems. (For a deeper analysis of this, please read "The Great Work" by Thomas Berry.)

The current threat to the existence of life on this planet, as we know it, is accelerating due to a deep seated self-ignorance within the human community and the increasing power of modern technology. Fortunately there seems also to be a corresponding quickening of the spiritually oriented realms of consciousness. Self-ignorance is removed as Eternal Omniscient Spirit is revealed to us through the immanent (nature) as well as transcendent (soul). Both of these resources must be utilized for our growth and healing. We find ourselves and know ourselves by recognizing our place within the whole spectrum of creation and existence.

Our awakening to the immanent comes immediately through Mother Nature. By cultivating a deep respect for the immense and awesome creativity that manifests in a blade of grass, a butterfly, a maple tree, our own bodies, we begin to appreciate the delicateness of the conditions that allow life to exist. By understanding the powers that create and sustain the Universe, we can draw upon those powers in our own lives. (See "The Universe Story" by Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme and "The Universe is a Green Dragon" by Brian Swimme.)

Our awakening to the transcendent increases our psychic strength. This comes from the inner journey of yoga/ meditation, tracing awareness beyond thought, perception, emotion and desire to recognize the Seer within and the Oneness of the Whole.

We at Mystic River Yoga, through our practice and teaching of yoga offer explorations of the immanent and transcendent as a means to help all of us, the community of all beings, and Mother Earth, find inner peace, happiness and healing.

See also:
~ About Mystic River Yoga
~ Who is B. K. S. Iyengar? and what is the Iyengar approach to teaching yoga?