"Go from a human being doing yoga to a human being Yoga." Baron Baptiste Here in America, yoga is often seen as a form of exercise. Of course, the physical asanas, or postures, tend to be what we first recognize, understand, and experience as yoga. But the full practice takes us much deeper, as we begin to realize yoga is not simply the physical, but the whole of what is with-in and with-out ourselves. It is infinite and full and beautiful. The word yoga is a Sanskrit word with the root meaning "to yoke" or unite. From this, we can begin to understand, through yoga practice, we are uniting the body, breath, senses, mind, and spirit. With further practice, we unite with others- humans and all living beings. The divide between us all begins to fall away and we arrive at the door of compassion, kindness, and infinite love for all. So use your physical practice to guide you in this direction. Be present with whatever arrives and see what there is to learn. Then take the lessons learned into your heart and bring it out into the world, where ever life takes you. Then, you will most definitely be yoga. Namaste, beautiful friends. |