Surrender Is Not a Dirty Word

The idea of surrender can have a negative connotation in Western culture and can even be synonymous with defeat, failure, or giving up your power. Standard English dictionary definitions of the word surrender reinforce this idea by describing it as something done “by demand” and “under duress.”

Thankfully, yoga philosophy offers a more positive version of surrender, that of trusting in and being of service to something much greater than yourself.

Practical ArticlesSierra WagnerJanuary 3, 2022surrender, ishvara pranidhana, ego, god, goddess, savasana, yamas, niyamas

To Find Contentment, Take Action

How can we overcome the afflictions of the mind that get in the way of our contentment? First, we must understand what the obstacles are, get to know how they effect us and find the self-discipline to improve ourselves, realizing that what we cannot change we must let go of.

Practical ArticlesSierra WagnerNovember 29, 2021kleshas, tapas, ishvara pranidhana, svadyaya, igorance, avidya, dvesha, aversion, asmita, ego

Jnana Yoga and the Teachings of Vivekananda

Jnana yoga, one of several branches of yoga, is focused on developing inner wisdom. Key concepts within it are that we are one; We are infinite; We are connected; We are perfect, whole and complete.

Practical ArticlesSierra WagnerAugust 20, 2020Jnana yoga, wisdom, insight, Swami Vivekananda, illusion, suffering, ego

We Are All In This Together: A Meditation For Remembering Our Oneness

While we are on lockdown it is even more important than ever for our mental health to open up our hearts and minds. As the corona virus is effecting all of our lives, I offer you a meditation to create a greater sense of harmony and contentment with yourself and the world we are living in.