Yoga means to reconnect. Yoga is a practice which empowers the mind for the purpose of the self experiencing its own true nature. To harmonize the body, mind and soul is the art of yoga. The great sage Patanjali stated, “yoga is the blocking of mental modifications so that the seer re-identifies with the higher self.” It’s a way to reconnect us to God.
A lot of people think yoga is a set of postures or a specific exercise class. Asana; or yoga postures, is a vehicle that prepares the body to live yoga. Yoga is a non-sectarian path to God realization. Its a science and a way of living that will help one experience a deeper understanding of self and our relationship to God.
It is believed that everyone is seeking happiness. Most of us are searching for happiness through the desire of whatever they believe success is. Many of us believe that means; money, fame or material things. Temporary things. The practice of yoga reminds us that happiness lives beyond this world. Our only way towards happiness is investing our time and energy in something which does not change… Creating a relationship with the eternal. Who we really are is eternal and not affected by the material world or the roles we play in it. If we attach our happiness to something or someone in the world, we will be disappointed because things and situations change.
Yoga challenges us to look inwards. Inner stability creates a deep joy that can’t be changed by circumstances. Yoga reconnects us to the inner self and beyond the mind.
Whatever the mind focuses on creates our entire experience of reality. Meditation and pranayama (breathing) are great ways to focus the mind in the present moment. Once we are present then we can focus on our life energy. A few other ways of living a yogi lifestyle is through practicing ahimsa (non-violence), svadhyaya (self study), and /or expressing yourself truthfully through speech and acting accordingly.
The aim of yoga is to transcend the Gunas. Gunas are the modes of the material nature. They are Sattva (mode of goodness), Raja (mode of passion), and Tamas (mode of ignorance). If we focus on Sattva one can get closer to the divine. Trying to live a balanced life is also very important and we can do that through Ayurveda. Through a healthy routine, environment and healthy foods one can balance their Doshas; which are, Vata (earth and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water).
Trying to rewire our habitual patterns through the Chakra system is useful in understanding our psychology. There are seven Chakras; Muladhara (root chakra), Svadhisthana (lower abdomen), Manipura (solar plexus), Anahata (heart), Vishuddha (throat), Ajna (third eye chakra), and Sahasrara (crown chakra). The chakra system is a map that teaches us how to navigate through our life. Asanas can help activate these Chakras.
Yoga can seem complex and it has many ways to connect to yourself and the divine. Through practice, meditation, and a genuine desire to learn more about yoga one can enjoy the benefits. For me yoga has helped transform my life. It has allowed me to refocus on what’s important and has helped me lead a healthier lifestyle. Yoga can help you transform your life if you let it.
Namaste <3