My Daily Thread

In this episode, we consider the need to keep our journey of self-discovery straightforward and down-to-earth. There is no need to get lost in lofty spiritual jargon that leaves us feeling confused. Our goal here is clarity, plain and simple. We're on a quest for greater understanding, seeking to illuminate the inner workings of our minds.   The relationship we cultivate with ourselves, and the th...

At times, I find myself grappling with Patanjali's teachings, questioning whether my level of wisdom is sufficient to grasp their depth. Yet, at their core, these teachings offer a simple philosophy—a philosophy aimed at addressing the root of human suffering and guiding us toward liberation.    Patanjali's philosophy is designed to unravel the complexities of the mind and pave the way for inner t...

In Patanjali's teachings, the fluctuations of the mind are likened to waves, referred to as vrittis. Patanjali's approach is characterized by clarity and organization, as he delineates these modifications as either painful or not painful, selfish or selfless, as interpreted by Satchidananda.   We constantly engage in the modification of our thoughts, shaping them into either painful or non-painful...

The podcast caters to a broad audience, extending its reach even to those who may consider themselves "Yoga haters of the world." It serves as a platform for anyone interested in exploring consciousness and delving into the depths of the human experience.   Each week, we start our journey by revisiting the yoga sutras, ancient texts that offer profound insights into the mind and consciousness. Thi...

In Sanskrit, "shasa" denotes something imposed from the outside, while "anushasanum" describes something that arises from the inside out. These concepts form the essence of the Yoga Sutras, where yoga teachings extend beyond the confines of the mat and become relevant for individuals of all backgrounds, not just yogis. Unlike religion, which can feel imposed upon us, yoga invites us to explore our...

The movie and tornado analogy offers profound insights into the nature of our minds. Like spectators in a cinema, we often find ourselves entranced by the unfolding drama of our thoughts and emotions, caught in the whirlwind of our mental turbulence. Amidst the chaos, Patanjali's wisdom acts as a compass, leading us to a deeper understanding of our inner world. By recognizing the various influence...

Episode 18 is here, moving right along, mirroring the rhythm of life itself. For additional insights into living life to the fullest, consider exploring the concept of Tristhana. On the website, you can find helpful hints in our complimentary Anxious to Awesome e-book. Today, our focus shifts to chapter 1, verse 4 of the Yoga Sutras, a profound text that holds the key to understanding life's myste...

In our previous episode, we discussed the importance of focus, posture, and breathing in yoga practice. To apply these principles to your daily life, we recommend the practical and insightful Anxious to Awesome e-book, which is available for download on our website. This resource is particularly beneficial for managing anxiety, offering valuable techniques you can use today. As we delve deeper int...

As we delve into Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, it's crucial to dispel the common confusion between Patanjali and Pattabhi Jois. While Patanjali lays the foundation of yoga and meditation, Pattabhi Jois stands out with his unique interpretation of Ashtanga Yoga, introducing a series of postures and the practice of asana.  To navigate our lives and the study of yoga, it's crucial to always maintain clari...

Patanjali's teachings illuminate the path to organizing our mind, offering a roadmap to inner harmony and clarity. Through diligent practice, we can attain the transformative "tada" moment—a state where we reside in our true nature, free from the constraints of mental fluctuations. This process involves gaining control over the stories that populate our minds, channelizing our thoughts, and uncove...

The Sanskrit word "tada" reveals a profound depth of meaning, resonating with a positive vibration that guides us toward liberation and joy.  This ancient term encapsulates the essence of transformation—a shift from constraint to freedom, from darkness to light. Jeff's journey offers a poignant illustration of personal transformation. As a medic, he was intimately acquainted with the rigours of li...

Yoga Sutra 1:2 introduces us to the enchanting realm of Sanskrit, laying the foundation for a profound journey of self-discovery. Within its magical verses lies the key to unlocking the truth of our existence. As we embark on the path of understanding and mastering the mind, we realize the essence of who we indeed are. In this profound realization, we encounter the 'seer' within—the eternal witnes...

"Nirrodhah," a concept embedded within the Yoga Sutras, serves as a focal point for understanding the practice of yoga. These sutras, akin to sutures stitching together the fabric of yogic wisdom, offer profound insights into the human experience. Contrary to common belief, one does not need to be a seasoned yogi to grasp the essence of the Yoga Sutras. Instead, they provide a roadmap for anyone s...

Meditation is a potent practice for directing the mind, allowing us to cultivate inner focus and clarity. Consistent meditation can create a steady foundation within ourselves, fostering mindfulness and awareness throughout our daily lives. Reflecting on Patanjali's teachings, encapsulated in 196 succinct point-form notes, offers profound insights into the breadth of human experience. Patanjali's...

"Citta" represents the culmination of all our mind-stuff, encapsulating the entirety of our personality and consciousness. Our understanding of ourselves is intricately enmeshed within the fabric of Citta, shaping our perceptions and experiences. When my citta finds itself in Paris, it undergoes a transformation, transitioning from the familiar hippie culture of India to the opulence of a fancy ho...

You don't have to be a yogi to derive value from the Yoga Sutras concept of gaining control over our mental processes. Often, we find ourselves entangled in the whirlpools of our mind-stuff, where thoughts and emotions churn relentlessly, affecting both our minds and bodies. The Sanskrit word "Citta," encompassing the mind, intellect, and ego, plays a central role in this dynamic interplay.   In e...

Mastering the art of channelling the "mind-stuff"- a concept accessible to all, regardless of background or beliefs—emanates peace and freedom.   Most of us understand commuting in traffic; the frustration of being cut off in traffic is a poignant reminder of life's transient disturbances. As the offending vehicle fades into the distance, I'm left in my "mind-stuff." I contemplate the wisdom of th...

Jeff's journey of exiting EMS, characterized by stress and discontent, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of yoga. Through his personal experiences, he illustrates how the practice of yoga can lead to liberation from the grip of negative thought patterns and emotional turbulence.   Jeff's exit story began with the promotion of "Yoga $90 for 90 days" at the second-floor...

Patanjali, revered as a pragmatist, guides us through this journey, emphasizing that yoga transcends religious boundaries and invites us to explore the depths of consciousness.   At its core, yoga begins with the profound acknowledgment of "NOW," encapsulated in the term "Atha." It's a simple decision that creates our commitment to cultivating knowledge from within, laying the foundation for self-...

Episode 005: From the Inside Out. Bring Forth what is within you. Continuing our exploration, we conclude our reflections on Chapter 1, verse 1 of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. The Sanskrit term "Anusasanum" serves as a guiding principle, urging us to approach life and practice from the inside out. This perspective emphasizes that profound transformation occurs when we direct our attention inward, tapp...

Episode 004 : Pragmatic Wisdom from Patanjali In this episode, we consider the pragmatic teachings of Patanjali, a sage from 200 CE who exemplifies a practical approach to life. Patanjali's perspective on Ashtanga Yoga is clarified: it is not a religion but a pathway to understanding the mind, discovering the truth about ourselves, and engaging in present-moment meditation. The central question be...

Episode 003 :  "Atha!"  The Power in Now. This episode centers around the profound theme of the present moment and delves into the exploration of the "Power of Now." We jump into the rich linguistic landscape of Sanskrit, unravelling its potent vibrations and the vitality it infuses into life. The Sanskrit term "Atha" serves as a poignant gateway, directing our awareness to the significance of the...

Episode 002:   Patanjali Who?  Breath ... what? Jeff revisits a crucial life-saving technique—a stress-reducing breath awareness practice that can be seamlessly integrated into any moment, providing a practical tool for immediate relief. In this episode, we embark on an exploration of Patanjali, the mystical sage from ancient India, and delve into the profound teachings encapsulated in the Yoga Su...

Episode 001 : How an Edgy Medic Turns Yogi: An Introduction to Jeff. In this inaugural episode, experience the enthusiasm and straightforward wisdom of your messenger and host, Jeff Lichty. An edgy ex-flight paramedic turned yogi; Jeff delivers practical, down-to-earth teachings on Yoga and Meditation sourced from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other spiritual masters. Embark on a transformative...