My Daily Thread

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...