Cit, Chat & Chai: Recent Episodes
tammy
Podcast ponderings on real life Yoga and Yoga as applied to real life. Cit is a Sanskrit word that means "true awareness", "to understand", "absolute knowledge". Cit is a core principle in all ancient spiritual traditions originating from the Indian subcontinent, where funnily enough Tea also came from. Drinking Tea (a.k.a) Chai has also been considered a sacred form of spiritual practice. Each episode Yoga Teacher Tammy Mittell will relate a Yogic concept to modern daily living and invite a guest to explore the topics within their specific field of specialism. Throughout this Podcast we will chat some Cit, drink some tea and hopefully gain some 'absolute knowledge'. So grab yourself a cuppa, and come listen to the Cit Chat
The City of BrahmanThe Chandogya Upanishad
In the city of Brahman is a secret dwelling, the lotus of the heart. Within this dwelling is a space, and within that space is the fulfillment of our desires. What is within that space should be longed for and realized.
As great as the infinite space beyond is the space within the lotus of the heart. Both heaven and earth are contained in that inner space, both fire and air, sun and moon, lightning and stars. Whether we know it in this world or know it not, everything is contained in that inner space.
Never fear that old age will invade that city; never fear that this inner treasure of all reality will wither and decay. This knows no age when the body ages; this knows no dying when the body dies. This is the real city of Brahman; this is the Self, free from old age, from death and grief, hunger and thirst. In the Self all desires are fulfilled.
The Self desires only what is real, thinks nothing but what is true. Here people do what they are told, becoming dependent on their country, or their piece of land, or the desires of another, so their desires are not fulfilled and their works come to nothing, both in this world and in the next.
Those who depart from this world without knowing who they are or what they truly desire have no freedom here or hereafter. But those who leave here knowing who they are and what they truly desire have freedom everywhere, both in this world and in the next.
Like strangers in an unfamiliar country walking over a hidden treasure, day by day we enter the world of Brahman while in deep sleep but never find it, carried away by what is false.
The Self is hidden in the lotus of the heart. Those who see themselves in all creatures go day by day into the world of Brahman hidden in the heart. Established in peace, they rise above body-consciousness to the supreme light of the Self. Immortal, free from fear, this Self is Brahman, called the True. Beyond the mortal and the immortal, he binds both worlds together. Those who know this live day after day in heaven in this very life.
The Self is a bulwark against the confounding of these worlds and a bridge between them. Day and night cannot cross that bridge, nor old age, nor death, nor grief, nor evil or good deeds. All evils turn back there, unable to cross; evil comes not into this world of Brahman.
One who crosses by this bridge, therefore, if blind, is blind no more; if hurt, ceases to be hurt; if in sorrow, ceases sorrowing. At this boundary night itself becomes day: night comes not into this world of Brahman.
Only those who are pure and self-controlled can find this world of Brahman. That world is theirs alone. In that world, in all the worlds, they live in perfect freedom.
This is a Meditation to start your day with. A meditation in the sufi way, poetry sutra and philosophy are weaved together to allow you a moment to connect to your deepest truest heartfelt Soul desires.
Guru Bramah Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwara
Guru Sakshat
Param Bramah
Tasmai Sri
Guruve Namaha
OM
The teacher of beginnings, the teacher of sustainability, The teacher of destruction /endings
The teacher close by
The teacher afar
All these teachers are the same One source teacher
OM
One of the most ancient Yogic Mantras that first appears in the Vedic texts the Upanisads
Asato Ma Sat Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotiir Gamaya
Mrytyor Ma Amrita Gamaya
OM
Shanti Shanti Shantih
Lead Me from the illusion to the Real
Lead Me from the darkness to the Light
Lead me from the finite to the infinite
OM
Peace Peace Peace
This is ideally practiced first thing upon awaking in the morning. It is designed to speak to your subconscious so that your inner patterns come to align with your highest intentions.
Short guided practice on breathing with the diaphragm by bringing your awareness to the flow of breath as it moves the belly, ribs and chest.
This episode I am joined by Leanne Kifford, an expert Nutritionist and doula who specialises in Postpartum Wellbeing.
Together we discuss the importance of self care during postpartum and how ancient wisdom from traditional cultures provides key insights into optimal health and wellbeing.
Insights which seemed to have somehow been lost within our society and culture but must make a come back if we are to heal and rebuild our new mothers.
Leanne provides practical and applied tips for supporting new mothers' nutritional needs including recommended foods and simple and easy meal ideas.
This is a must-listen-to episode for any soon-to-be mum or new mother.
You can find out more about Leanne at https://thefifthelementnutrition.com/
Leanne@TheFifthElementNutrition.com
@thefifthelementnutrition on IG