just this

just this……in all its simplicity……welcoming what is here already……
not coming……not going……obscured even by seeking……

So we meet in the paradox of apparent teachings, retreats, trainings or gatherings, to celebrate and explore this nameless presence that we are. At first, there is the tendency to accentuate the myriad of practices the yoga tradition has developed, to focus on concepts like nondual, true nature, awareness, self-inquiry or other-inquiry.

But all this activity eventually leads us to a giving up. And in this surrender what is revealed is seen to be what has always been here, before the search began, during its full intensity and after its cessation. The task turns out to be ceding to stillness, and in that stillness the recognition of just this.

Falling back and resting in what is so familiar that it has been overlooked during all the body sensing yoga, during all the pranayama, all the yoga nidra and amidst all the dialogues, amidst life itself, we find our self simply sinking back into just this.

the recognition of our own heart

In this interpretive translation of and commentary on the Pratyabhijñāhṛdayam, one of the foundational texts of Kashmiri Shaivism, Joan Ruvinsky conveys the richness and incandescence so characteristic of the lineage without losing sight of the last 400 years of philosophical inquiry, spiritual revelation, and scholarship. Part poetry, part guidebook, part art, The Recognition of Our Own Heart invites you into discovery of the unknown — living directly, moment to moment, in the mystery.

meditative yoga

pathless yoga / body sensing / kashmir yoga
Call it what you will. It is a nondual approach to yoga offering quiet, gentle, non-volitional movement as a gateway to our inherent spaciousness.

yoga nidra

A simple, body-centered meditative technique practiced while resting comfortably, inviting inquiry into to one’s true nature.

next class schedule : TBA

meditation practices

guided meditation: listening

The practice slowly guides us from an alternation between listening to the particularities of the soundscape and attending to discrete body sensations, to pure, objectless listening.

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yoga nidra: the thread

A short practice (22 min) during which we fully immerse ourselves in whatever is arising from moment to moment, feeling the thread of unchangingness woven through it all.

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yoga nidra: the gravitational pull of love

Occasionally I receive requests to post a particular practice on the website for re-listening. This meditation, which followed a conversation on the Heartfelt Desire, one of the 10 steps of iRest Yoga Nidra, explores what it feels like to yield to the heart’s deepest longing, including any feelings of fear or resistance that may arise when we fully surrender to that which we love.

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yoga nidra: and this too

This practice followed a conversation during which a number of participants shared their feelings of grief at the loss of loved ones. (Some poetic license was used in the recounting of the story from the Bhagavad Gita.)

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Guest blog and articles

A community forum for sharing the wisdom of friends, colleagues and sangha members.

On Grasping

“So,” I say to God, “God,” I say.“Now that it’s the end of retreat…How do I keep it?” “Keep it?” says God, says She. “You

read more »

I am creation

I am creation, the endless unfolding. The spark burst to flameEach shimmering breath, a new beginning,I am the expansion, the inspiration…I am a conduit of creativity. I

read more »

bodhi baby  

Exuberant, irreverent, and self-mocking humor is a timeless tool used by spiritual teachers from multiple traditions. In a short text akin to rap lyrics, Adrian

read more »

PRECIOUS LOSS

I have always been like this. I have always known what I know. I have never been better and I have never been worse. I

read more »

Soaking in Being

Ananda has been an ongoing exploration and inquiry for me for several years. My morning practice has gradually become what I call “soaking in Being.”

read more »

On Grasping

“So,” I say to God, “God,” I say.“Now that it’s the end of retreat…How do I keep it?” “Keep it?” says God, says She. “You

read more »

I am creation

I am creation, the endless unfolding. The spark burst to flameEach shimmering breath, a new beginning,I am the expansion, the inspiration…I am a conduit of creativity. I

read more »

bodhi baby  

Exuberant, irreverent, and self-mocking humor is a timeless tool used by spiritual teachers from multiple traditions. In a short text akin to rap lyrics, Adrian

read more »

PRECIOUS LOSS

I have always been like this. I have always known what I know. I have never been better and I have never been worse. I

read more »

Soaking in Being

Ananda has been an ongoing exploration and inquiry for me for several years. My morning practice has gradually become what I call “soaking in Being.”

read more »

events and retreats

Coming Home: 4-day Silent Retreat

July 20-24, 2025 Registration is not yet open

Bowen Island, British Columbia

In an island sanctuary devoted to contemplative silence, with magnificent views of mountains, forests and seas, we come together for restoration and reintegration into who we truly are beyond the divisions that separate us from our True Nature.

practices from the pratyabhijñāhṛdayam

Next session TBA

Plunge deeply into the rich teachings of the Pratyabhijñāhṛdayam, a primary text of Kashmir Shaivism, by engaging with practices suggested in the text. During each gathering, we'll devote 45 minutes or so to one meditation technique. There will be time for debrief and discussion, then continued conversation and work with the practice between gathering.

move, breathe, rest: an irest community class series

not currently offered

Explore the nondual teachings through movement, breathing, and meditation in a 9-week online series offered by senior iRest faculty

living the pratyabhijñāhṛdayam : a virtual study group

Study group registration has ended. Next group dates TBA. Email if interested.

"Both personal and non-personal, both immanent and transcendent, both universal and particular, The Heart of Being is none other than Our Own. And it is this identity that the Pratyabhijñāhṛdayam invites us to recognize as we move toward living the text." - Joan Ruvinsky, The Recognition of Our Own Heart," p. 15-16

but what about me? exploring the asmitamaya kosha in iRest

The date has passed. Thanks to everyone who attended! The video is available for purchase. To learn more or to buy it, click the “more information” button.

The online workshop, for iRest teachers only, offers an opportunity to gain clarity around asmitamaya and to develop authentic language and proficiency in leading a group delivery that includes an inquiry into asmitamaya and beyond.

nurturing the sacred feminine: 3-day retreat for women

Co-led with Naki (Kim) James. Details forthcoming as soon as booking a retreat centre becomes feasible!

deconstructing iRest webinar

The date has passed. Thanks to everyone who attended!

The video is available for purchase. To learn more or to buy it, click the "more information" button.

A fun, informative, and interactive community hour. Using the 10-Step iRest Yoga Nidra Protocol as a framework, Kathleen analyzes the structure, pace, components, and language of one of her iRest practices, discussing the rationale for each of the various elements included and, in particular, offering a methodology for investigating a series of beliefs during an iRest group practice.

Living the Pratyabhijñāhṛdayam: A One-Year Immersion in the Bliss of This

January – December 2023. One full year.

Living the Pratyabhijñāhṛdayam: A One-Year Immersion in the Bliss of  This is a brand new offering for deepening our relationship with ourselves and with our sangha. The group is open only to those who are already familiar with the text, either through participation in one of the online study groups or via an in-person seminar.

pathless yoga newsletter

If you would like to receive occasional emails from Pathless Yoga with information about upcoming retreats,
or with poetry, musings or links to recorded teachings

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