What is Yoga..Really?

What is yoga…really?

Yoga is whatever you need it to be in the moment of your practice. If you need a raise in energy, an active practice can ignite that spark of energy within you. If your body needs to let go of tension, a more passive practice of movements can guide the body and mind to release it. Physically, yoga will help you learn the power of surrender and the strength of persistence.

Awareness is a key that unlocks the mind.  Consider breathing one of the keys to opening many doors starting with the physical.

Breathing creates space. Space gives room to move. Movement takes you to new places to explore. The physical space opened makes it so much easier for the non-physical and mental doors to appear.

Your practice opens your mind so that you strengthen the ability to truly feel your intuition. Your intuition of who you are, what your heart says, and awareness of the interconnectedness of all life expands. Perhaps this is the best form of enlightenment.

So, what is yoga? It is consciously and actively experiencing your life journey. Suspend the mindset from the quote, “the journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step” for a moment. You took your first step when you were born. Look at where you are now. How many miles did it take to get here now?

Does it matter?

How many miles do you have left?

No one knows; but, does that really matter?

Keep moving on your path of revelations; take detours that feel right; pause along the way to take a closer look at what presents itself to you. Face fears to discover more than your ego imagined possible. Consciousness is a daily practice. Life is a practice.
None of us are experts...some just practice more than others.

 Just like yoga, make it a great practice to the very last mile...we're all destined to reach the sign at the crossroad of life: Edge of Infinite Horizons: Follow the Light....

 

Comments

Kristen said…
Great post. I think yoga seems to be something slightly different for each person, but I like the way that you conceptualize and express what yoga means to you!
June 23, 2012 at 6:19 PM
Eleanor said…
You are so right...I get on my mat everyday sometimes twice a day because every time is different. Sometimes I find new openings, and other times I have to make adjustments for tightness. Yet, every time I leave my mat with an alleviated consciousness and a clearer sense of who I am. The asana practice really is a journey!! Thank you for writing this post.
June 24, 2012 at 6:54 PM
Yoga Nuggets said…
It really is a fascinating journey of consciousness...the yoga practice. Thank you for your response and thoughts...
June 25, 2012 at 4:53 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Yoga and the Adrenal Glands

Let's use our yoga practice to learn a little more about anatomy. I must confess, I was never that interested in science when I was younger. As I have gotten a little older, experienced a few personal medical challenges, noticed subtle changes each year and the desire to learn has been ignited. Practicing yoga since I was 41 has made a significant impact on my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Six years later, I am in the best shape I have ever been...ever. So, with that said, let's see what is going on with this ancient practice of yoga. Last article gave a synopsis of the seven chief glands. To keep it simple, (good philosophy, by the way) the first gland to be addressed is the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is right above each kidney. Their primary function is to release hormones in response to stress. These stress hormones are cortisol, epinephrine and aldosterone. Cortisol and epinephrine get the heart to beat faster, gets the digesti...
Read more

Inversions, Hormones and Yoga

Inversions are an integral component of not only a good yoga practice, but good health. As kids, we used to hang upside down from the jungle gym like monkeys, do somersaults, or swing as high as possible gripping the swing's chain and leaning back to get the feel of flying. Little did we know it, but our bodies were getting some great internal benefits. Besides being fun and giving a sense of daring to play to edges, we were giving our endocrine system a chance to share its magic. Use your yoga practice to re-ignite the smiles you had just being a kid. And, for goodness sakes, do not let the ingrained thought "I'm too old to do this..." deter you from doing what can make you happy at any age. First of all, there are medical contraindications for inversions. It depends on the style of inversion and the physical ailment. (When in doubt, leave it out...until you discuss it with your doctor.)  The body's glands, or endocrine system, produce approximately 50 hormone...
Read more