Yogalympic Practice

The Olympic motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius which is Latin for Faster, Higher, Stronger. Pierre de Coubertin, who re-introduced the Olympics to the modern world in 1896, had a revelation for another motto: "The most important thing is not to win, but to take part." What a perfect thought to have regarding your practice of yoga. With each practice, you do achieve poses faster, reach higher and become stronger. But, the most integral part is that you are actually practicing! The achievements come from "taking part" in whatever you pursue....not being a by-stander waiting for the right time.

What a perfect parallel...yoga and the Olympics. One of the Olympic Game's chief purpose was to promote unity and peace among mankind. Yoga translated means to yoke or unite. The unity of mind, body, and spirit with the practice of yoga cannot help but light the torch of peace within. Let us practice what Buddha said long before the Olympics: "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."

When the Olympics originated in Greece in 776 B.C., it was required and understood that all threats of violence, regardless of current wars, were to be suspended during the Olympics. The Olympics were practiced to honor the Olympic gods of the time and the god of Gods, Zeus. To perform acts of violence was understood to be an act against the Higher Power (s). A month before the Games, one would carry a torch to convey the message that it was time to honor safe travels to the Games. As time progressed, it was a time to promote unity. Can you imagine if the world today could or would practice by the original laws of the Olympics? Now, that is a part of history worth repeating itself!

Getting back to yoga, practice with a revised mindset of taking part in each move, each breath, and every sensation that emerges. The concept of being present is and has been taught and explained from an unknown number of sources. But, like all things, it is easy to get exposed to something so much, you become either totally passionate or progressively indifferent to it. Strengthen your unity of mind, body and spirit. Practice to make that internal unity stronger. Do that and know your intentions, perceptions and connections will emerge stronger and faster.

 Things do go full circle. This concept includes your thought patterns or mindset. Instead of getting back to the starting point that you originated from; break out and start another circle to interconnect with the one that propelled you forward. Envision the Olympic circles that are connected. The use of the colors are to represent a color that exists in every countries flag. Make your circles represent what makes you...you. Just remember this, you are an interconnection of everything that has crossed your path of life. Broaden your circles and make them shine bright. All it requires is taking an active part. Do that, and the rest will fall into place.

Once that awareness of the champion that you are emerges beyond the ego's definition, you will realize that the Gold in the heart is infinitely more valuable than the current market's determination. The practice of yoga, like the Olympics, is to take part. The new edges or horizons you reach are the new records you set for yourself.

So,  With that said: Let the games of practice begin!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

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