T.K.V. Desikachar
With a curious tone I inquired, "How long have you been practicing?"
Without hesitation, she spouted back. "I have been practicing for the past five months and I am pretty sure that my life will never be the same."
I chuckled as I knew exactly what she meant.
"I mean seriously, I can't get enough of this stuff! I started practicing various forms of Yoga, but I mean, I am addicted." She smiled as brightly as the sun as she affirmed the magnanimous impact of this practice in her life.
The teacher came in and our conversation softly subsided, but I was grateful to this new Yogi who reminded me to adopt the mindset of a beginner on my mat. I was so grateful for her curious spirit and infectious enthusiasm.
Over the past 9 years, Yoga has changed my life in indescribable ways. I often think of the wisdom of B.K.S. Iyengar, “Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.” Yoga constantly asks us to be transformed and made new. Yoga isn't limited to the physical practice, Yoga has evolved into a much grander practice than being able to touch your nose to your toe. Yoga is the richness of living a compassionate and loving life...of seeing ourselves in the reflection of others.
Yoga encourages us to shed the skins of yesterday so that we may embrace the magnificence of the present moment. Yoga asks us to shift our sight from a judgmental viewpoint to one of compassion and kindness. Yoga invites us to expand the sea of internal awareness. Yoga asks that we become devoted to the path of awakening. This path traverses throughout our lifetime even though at times we are incapable of walking it consciously.
Through this practice I have learned to love my body in tender ways. The soft curves of self have become springboards of strength. Breath has become a castle of exploration...each room holds an energy of amazement. Yoga reminds me on a daily basis that we are all practicing this sacred union in our lives. We might be participating in the physical practice, or perhaps we are tending our gardens, loving our children, feeding the hungry, reading a book, or simply just taking life day by day. Living is a sacred act. No matter the action, the goal is always union.
I'm so grateful for this spunky little Yogi in class the other day who encouraged me to reconnect with the essence of Yoga...Union. How would your life change if you allowed yourself to be transformed by this sacred union?
May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah