Simplicity in action; Living the yogic life

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend at Rocklyn Ashram near Daylesford, Victoria. I visited this Melbourne ashram about 15 years ago, so I was somewhat familiar with the ashram program. But I was not aware how much this experience would shift my focus and bring me back to the simplicity of an authentic yogic lifestyle.

The ashram is nestled inside Wombat State Forest, surrounded by beautiful forest, bushland and plenty of kangaroos. On arrival, we were greeted by the ashram ‘managers’ the Swamis, both women elders whose humility is beaming from every cell of their being.

The day started early with a light asana practice, breathwork and mantra chanting to welcome in the new day as the sun rose. After a warming breakfast, we were encouraged to engage in Karma yoga; helping to clean the ashram and feel apart of the ashram eco-system. After which, we enjoyed a lovely walk along an established forest path where we could immerse ourselves in the natural landscape and bird sounds.

The afternoon was spent helping in the permaculture garden, learning and connecting with others whilst being of service (Seva). Here we were gently reminded that there is no goal or outcome, just to be present and aware of your actions as you remove weeds and turn the soil.

In the evening, we participated in kirtan chanting, and on Saturday night, a special fire ceremony (havan) was offered to unite everyone through voice and mantra. These offerings of Bhakti yoga, a devotion to the divine through sound and voice, helped me to anchor my mind in prayer, and elevate my consciousness to something greater.

At mealtimes and between dinner and breakfast, silence (mouna) was observed to allow for a deeper inner journey to unfold. I felt completely at peace as I sat in the midday sun, nourishing my body with a warm meal, whilst looking around and noticing many bodies but no sound.

Many insights were revealed to me through the silence, service, and sounds I experienced at Rocklyn. I think the most important takeaway was the reminder to surrender; to what is right now, without resistance, knowing that this too shall change.

The yogic principle of ‘Aparigraha’ or surrender can be translated as non-possessiveness, non-greed, or non-attachment. It encourages a mindset of not grasping or taking more than necessary, focusing on giving and letting go of excessive desires and attachments.

“Aparigraha is about finding contentment with what you have and recognising that true fulfillment comes from within, not from external possessions”.

At Rocklyn, aparigraha is apparent in the smiles of the Swamis, in the ease with which everyone moves through their daily activities, where there is no wrong way.

Being immersed in this lifestyle really allowed me to peel back the layers of productivity and consumerism that engulfs our society, and instead live a simple life where we all already have everything we need, breath and presence.

Jodie xx