What is Yoga for You?

If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, you probably have your own definition of what yoga is based on your personal experience. And, that’s a great thing!

Yoga is a different experience for everyone. Ask 10 people what yoga is and you’re likely to get 10 different answers —anything from its literal translation (yoga means union) to a more in-depth answer (yoga is about connecting one’s self to the universal Self). Is there a wrong answer? I don’t believe there is.

As I mentioned, personal experience will drive your definition of what yoga is for you. One of the reasons for the wide range of responses that can be expected is yoga consists of an array of internal and external practices all designed to bring us freedom and closer to enlightenment. Ethical principles (yamas & niyamas), meditation, asana (yoga class for most Americans), breathing practices, chanting, karma yoga (selfless service), bhakti yoga (devotion), etc. are all techniques that comprise yoga.  And my list here is just the tip of the iceberg.

Whatever type of yoga you practice and however you define the meaning of yoga, I would like to share the following explanation. I stumbled upon this in Alistair Shearer’s translation of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

“The techniques of yoga are methods of purifying the nervous system so that it can reflect a greater degree of consciousness and our lives can become an increasingly positive force in the world. If these techniques are correctly practiced, the whole nervous system is revitalized – the body enjoys better health and more energy, the rested mind is freed from the burden of past experience, and perception is restored to its primal freshness. Thought and activity become coherent and integrated, life becomes richer and more fulfilling”.

More can be found on pg. 26 & 27 in Shearer’s insightful translation of the Sutras.

Honor Yourself

To “honor yourself, just as you are” can be a challenge for many of us. It can be refreshing to try it and your yoga mat can be a great place to start this habit.

Resist judging yourself (why can’t I xxx?). Resist blaming yourself or feeling guilty (why me?). Instead try offering yourself compliments, forgiveness and most of all, compassion. Offer yourself a smile when you fall out of a pose, or look in the mirror, rather thoughts of criticism.

Yoga teaches us how to change our perspectives of others and more importantly ourselves. Your yoga practice is a wonderful place to learn about how being where you are in your life, just as you are, is okay. Honoring yourself, your existence and your contribution to this planet is a huge step in discovering how powerful and beautiful you really are.

As you start to shift your perspective, you begin to see your limitations as opportunities for growth, particularly in your relationship with yourself. You become more accepting of whom you are. This is yoga. This is finding your truth.

Jivamukti

Maybe you’ve heard of Jivamukti yoga but have been too afraid to pronounce it, let alone try it. I highly encourage you to explore and pronounce it.

Let’s start with the later. Pronounce it as G-Va-Mook-Ti (I hope I’m not botching this too much). Jiva means soul. Mukti = liberation.

Last weekend I did a two day workshop with Jeffrey Cohen of Jivamukti Yoga Charleston (www.jivamuktiyogasc.com). During our time together, Jeffrey discussed the 5 tenets that comprise Jivamukti and set it apart from other styles of yoga. The tenets are ahimsa (non-violence), Bhakti (devotion/offering), scripture study, meditation and nada (sound). Asana is part of a Jivamukti class. What sets this asana class apart from others I’ve taken is the 5 tenets form the foundation of the practice on the mat and encouraged to be practiced off the mat, in your everyday life.

If you’ve never tried Jivamukti yoga, put it on your “to do” list. If you live in DC, you’ll have the privilege to experience it live in September with Sharon Gannon and David Life, the founders of Jivamukti Yoga (based in NYC).

Don’t hesitate.  Sign up via Flow Yoga Center (www.flowyogacenter.com) and reserve your spot today.

Namaste.

Where Have I Been?

Has it really been two weeks since I’ve tap out a blog post? Never fear, I’m here with lots to offer.

I figure since you’ve had some downtime from the abellaYoga blog now might be a good time to post the following link (see below) outlining 77 health benefits of practicing yoga. I’m sure every reader can relate with at least one, or maybe even ten, of the items on the list.  It’s a great list!

My only critique is there isn’t much mention of yoga being a path towards bliss (aka enlightenment) which keeps us healthy and shining from head-to-toe, inside and out. To me this is a huge benefit, though it does take time to discover. For some, it’s many years into their yoga practice.

There’s a lot to learn, experience and benefit from when it comes to yoga. Yoga is much more than asana (poses). Through exploration, consistency and willingness to be open to whatever is tossed to you in a yoga class, you’ll start to discover more than the 77 benefits outlined in the link I’m including here. In due time, you’ll experience bliss.

To slightly digress, another big benefit of a regular yoga practice is learning true discipline (also not mentioned in the list/link). Getting to your mat daily (discipline), staying on your mat (discipline), holding a pose longer than you think you can (discipline), trying flying crow even if you might splatter to the floor (discipline).  Discipline keeps us healthy.

Going back to bliss…ultimately yoga is a practice that connects us to our hearts and opens us up to our true nature (aka Self). Every step in your yoga practice (including your life practice) has it’s ups and downs but combined the synergistic effect is one of bliss.  A blissful life is a healthy life.

http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/24/77-surprising-health-benefits-of-yoga

Need a Yoga Mat?

If you’re new to yoga, you’re probably overwhelmed by the various styles of yoga. Equally confusing is which type of yoga mat to buy. Cheap, thick, eco-friendly, colorful…so many choices. Where does one start? Read this first: http://www.bclocalnews.com/lifestyles/22728759.html

Also, don’t be shy about asking your local yoga studio for some recommendations. For sanitary reasons, it’s best to have your own mat so do commit to buying one. Get a variety of opinions and then take the plunge.

Keep in mind that if you use your yoga mat a couple times a week you’ll more than likely buy a new one in a year or so. So don’t worry if you don’t’ fall in love with the first mat you buy. It’s practice. It’s part of your yoga experience. It’s trial and error…and isn’t life?

Lastly, keep in mind your old yoga mat can be donated once you’ve had enough of it. Happy mat shopping!