As I continue my practice of self-discovery, it’s important that I share what is helping me live more purposefully. Since I have been integrating more spiritual principles into my life, it would seem negligent to NOT share this information. My classes are structured in a way that allows each student to make their own discoveries, find ease in their bodies and peace in their minds.
J Brown, yoga teacher and podcaster, writes:
“More people than not view yoga as primarily a form of physical fitness, perhaps with some additional perks. And, generally speaking, people are willing to pay more for something they think will help them look better in a bathing suit than they will for an inquiry into the enigmatic nature of their being. Even among earnest practitioners and teachers, the line between fitness and contemplative practice is blurry.”
I couldn’t agree with him more. My personal practice leans heavier these days on self-inquiry by way of yoga philosophy. Instead of including bits of information in only one class, I decided to delve deeper and integrate one concept in multiple classes over a span of time. For example, the 7 chakras, (energy centers) were spread out over seven consecutive weeks. Muladhara, the 1st chakra was immersed into Tuesday, Thursday and Friday classes; each chakra getting three classes for explanation, integration and exploring. I was able to thoroughly explain what and how these swirling vortexes of energy intersect the body, mind, and emotions with each other. I have spent eight weeks describing the 8 Limbs of Yoga; reaffirming the idea that yoga is so much more than a physical practice. I have broken down the Yamas and Niyamas into 10 weeks of exploring yoga’s ethical practice. A four week study of the self-limiting beliefs that cheat us of happiness and create needless suffering via Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, The Four Agreements reminds us of how human we are. The past few weeks have been brimming with the Kleshas, or obstacles that get in our way of remembering our inner goodness. It is endless. And the best part is that when I repeat a concept, we hear it differently each time.
I came across this quote by Judith Lasater which sums it all up for me:
“I think it’s possible for all of us to use our yoga to distract us from our yoga. Because we get so caught up in the form that we forget the soul.”
If I can teach my students one thing, it’s about remembering who we innately are: love, kindness, compassion. I cannot express how my heart swells when a student shares with me how much they are learning about themselves, their relationships and a different way to view life. THIS is the yoga I want to share. Thank you for letting me do so.
