Yoga for me
Yoga for me, over the many years I have been engaged with it, has been and meant many things. At first it was a practice that gave me a physical discipline, a form of exercise and a glimpse into an inner state of peace (although I put that down to just the pure bliss of Savasana : )
I was young then and my experience was somewhat like an Ice skaters, I was enjoying the movement and the sense of freedom it gave me, however it would be 30 yrs before I realised I was only experiencing the top layer of the ice, and in fact, an endless ocean lay gently & silently beneath me, just waiting till I was ready to look further. I was 21 then, I am now 60 : )
Somewhere along the way I decided I wanted to be IN yoga all the time, every minute of every day & I remember being in Savasana after one of Kat’s amazing classes and thinking how lucky she was to be doing what she loved so much, and this train of thought soon became the express train direct to the Yoga Teacher Training with Body Mind Life in 2020.
There are lots of defining moments in our lives, that is for sure, but the decision to do the teacher training was not just defining, it was profound, and the experience of the TT was not only defining & profound, it was quite literally Mind & life altering (grateful hands emoji : )
t was kind of like having a baby… you go into it not really knowing what you’re in for, you go through months of weirdness, with leaps & bounds in physical, mental & emotional growth & you pass through days of excitement, doubt, joy & fear until you reach the point of birth.
New life… and a new way of being in the world… it was a new me - I had birthed a new ME.
What I now know in this moment is that Yoga gives us the space to be with ourselves - to be present, and to literally be in our bodies (embodiment), to listen to our thoughts and to find the peace in our hearts.
It gives us the opportunity to express & experience compassion, forgiveness & acceptance of & for ourselves, and in turn for others, because until we let ourselves off the hook we will never let others off the hook.
The more you learn about Yoga the more there is to learn. It is a science, an art form, a philosophy & a way of life - but it is not a religion. It is a never ending microcosm of life, constantly evolving (just like us). It can be as intense & in depth as you want it to be or it can simply be the ONE HOUR A DAY YOU TAKE JUST FOR YOURSELF.
Every time you step on the mat you are in a different state, physically, mentally & emotionally. Any number of factors will determine this, did you have a big night, have you just eaten, or concerned about a loved one.. plus our cells are replacing themselves every 24 hrs or something like that, so yeah, I rest my case.
This means your practice will always be different, and we need to accept that and meet ourselves where we are at in the moment.
Being present, listening to our bodies and allowing ourselves that non judgemental freedom - If we can accept who we are and where we are at in each moment, well..
I endeavour to practice Yoga in some shape or form everyday. I strive to practice non judgement & acceptance of myself, and of everyone around me. I try to accept ALL situations, knowing everything ultimately leads to my growth & evolution.
My promise to you is to hold the space so that you may practice this also.
May Peace be with you at all times, and may you find gentle acceptance of yourself today & always.
In loving service
Namaste