21/06/2021
It's International Yoga Day today!
It may seem like all there is to yoga is the physical asanas and at most, pranayama. But in all honesty, it's the 23 hours spent off the yoga mat where the magic happens (I'm discussing my personal journey and experiences of those in my close circle within the yoga community here).
Think of a rocket taking off for outer space. I believe that as life passes us by, we dispose or disconnect from parts of ourselves akin to a rocket jettisoning its dead weight. This is not an option. However, we always (usually) have a choice about what to discard and that choice can only be exercised if there's a preceding self-awareness.
Yoga stems from the Sanskrit word yuj that means 'to unite'. This is usually interpreted as a union of mind, body, soul. However, it's been so much more to me. Think about it- to unite with someone's state of mind. What is that? Empathy. To unite with the world around us, the environment, its people. What is that? Altruism, egalitarianism, mindfulness (to whatever degree). It's been a way to integrate myself into many microcosms and communities, a way to discover who I really am so I can be more me. My eating habits have evolved with time. So have my thoughts and perceptions. The direction in which I am traversing is provided by yoga and the many other paradigm shifting experiences that come along the way; and the velocity is provided by my close circle and this community right here🤍
First practicing yoga on the mat many years ago under the guidance of my guru -who has taught me everything I know- snowballed into my plastic free, plant based life today. I'm more comfortable in my own skin than ever and I'm moving beyond the shame, guilt and disgust that we're all so used to feeling about ourselves.
It's also been one year since I started teaching independently and I am so deeply grateful to you for reading all the way and supporting me. Happy Yoga Day! 💚💚💚
