What if we were taught in school that we are not our minds? What if someone discussed the soul in anatomy? What if spirituality was allowed to be learned rather than categorized as religion and banished from most curriculums? What if it was acceptable to tell the grocery clerk that you love them simply because you share the fact that you’re both human?
At first, I learned postures, their names, how to move with the breath and I felt the benefit of my time spent on the mat from a physical sense. Over time, my practice took on another shape growing into a reliable guide for how I live my life. The physical practice is essential to keep my body and mind healthy and clear, but it is just a piece of the whole practice. It’s the starting point.
Yoga helps me respond to life more consciously and I believe, more appropriately. From a place of increased awareness, I am more useful to others. Yoga provides tools for me to gain perspective when things get difficult. It helps me find ease in this chaotic, confusing and demanding world we live it. It creates space for healthy contemplation, welcomes failure as a teacher and is as reliable as my next breath.
Yoga reminds me about the importance of service to others. I’ve realized that service comes in many forms, but the most effective form is simply to love everyone, which is much more challenging than it may seem while reading this sentence. For me, loving everyone requires an understanding that the mind is capable of taking us on a long journey often fighting our ability to let go and just love. I have learned to value decisions from my heart rather than my head, and how to take the time to let things slowly percolate through the heart rather than burst out through my head.
Unfortunately, I didn’t learn this in school while growing up. Wouldn’t that have been nice? I learned it through living my yoga. I am deeply grateful for the teachings and inspiration my teachers have provided.