In the first chapter of the Yoga Sutra, we’re given a list of nine obstacles that get in our way. These obstacles are the inner blocks that keep us from moving in the direction of inner freedom. We all experience them. But we don’t have to be stuck in them. In order to work through the obstacles, we’re given seven ideas for practice. This sermon is all about the fourth idea, turning our attention inward toward the radiant light within. https://www.summercushman.com/yoga-sutra-1-36/

Our senses are a gift (we couldn’t know or experience anything without them). But, in our overly stimulating modern world, our senses can also be the source of great distraction and craving. If you’re ever frustrated by how hard it is to stay focused on one thing at a time, this sermon will offer you support. https://www.summercushman.com/yoga-sutra-1-35/

In the first chapter of the Yoga Sutra, we’re given a list of nine obstacles that get in our way. These obstacles are the inner blocks that keep us from moving in the direction of inner freedom. We all experience them. But we don’t have to be stuck in them. In order to work through the obstacles, we’re given seven ideas for practice. This sermon is all about the second idea.

It’s about a practice that’s dear to my heart. It’s a hard practice. It takes effort. But it’s worth it. This is my go-to practice for easily dropping into the state of focused meditation.

If you’re dealing with agitation in your mind, body, or breath, this sermon will offer you support. If you want to explore the connection between your state of mind and your breathing pattern, this sermon will help you. If you’ve ever wondered about some of the advanced practices of pranayama, this sermon will give you a starting a place. https://www.summercushman.com/yoga-sutra-1-34/

Yoga Sutra 1.33 is about our inner life. This teaching is about our automatic patterns of reaction. It's about cultivating inner attitudes of goodwill, compassion, joy, and equanimity. It’s about cultivating the qualities of the heart that lead us in the direction of inner freedom. https://www.summercushman.com/yoga-sutra-1-33/

In the first chapter of the Yoga Sutra, we’re given a list of nine obstacles that get in our way. These obstacles are the inner blocks that keep us from moving in the direction of inner freedom. We all experience them. But we don't have to be stuck in them. https://www.summercushman.com/yoga-sutra-1-30/

This meditative sermon is rooted in the poem "The Way It Is" by William Stafford. It takes us into the realms of mystery, memory, practice, and the silence that resides in the heart. For reflection questions and more, visit: https://www.summercushman.com/you-dont-ever-let-go-of-the-thread/

This sermon is rooted in a teaching from the Bhagavad Gita. A teaching that helps keep the knots of my heart untangled. I hope it will serve your heart as well. For reflection questions and more visit: https://www.summercushman.com/bhagavad-gita-3-30/

This week's sermon is a deeply personal reflection on the Source of Love and the intersection of vulnerability, grief, and gratitude. https://www.summercushman.com/opening-the-heart/

After a beautiful conversation about the source of love at last week's Yoga Church Gathering, I set out to write a sermon on the topic. But, as often happens in the practice of writing, I went in a completely different direction than I expected. I ended up writing a sermon that begins with a personal confession and ends with an exploration of mental and emotional spaciousness. Instead of writing about the source of love, I ended up writing about what keeps us disconnected from that source. In this meditative sermon I invite you into the truth of your being and the spaciousness of your heart. https://www.summercushman.com/spaciousness/

Life is complicated. We humans are complicated. Love is complicated. And while I can't suddenly make it simple, I can give us a straightforward place to begin practice. In this sermon we explore the teachings of Yoga Sutra 1.33, which lays out what it means to cultivate the brahmavihara (four attitudes of the heart). https://www.summercushman.com/the-daily-practice-of-love/