Yoga

I just returned from a yoga retreat to kick off my 2 month yoga teacher training program. We had some discussion about what yoga means and how it shows up in our lives- and where in our lives would we like it to show up more. For many in the west who practice yoga, this may seem like a strange question as many chose yoga purely for the physical aspect. But yoga is so much more.

 The physical movement that many associate with yoga does a diservice to yoga as a way of life. Yoga shows up in our lives as community, wellness, passion, spirituality, fun, love and so much more. Yoga is about being aware of not just what our bodies can do, but how our thoughts work and how we can discover the mystery within. Yoga is one small part of being in touch with all the surrounds us in the now. The challenge is to take what we learn on the mat into our lives off the mat. It's easy to come to a class and centre for 90 minutes, but can we take that calm groundedness out into traffic, to our relationships with loved ones and with our coworkers?

You don't have to be able to do backbends and headstands in order to enjoy the benefits of yoga. You just have to be willing to open to the possibilities.

Today was day one of classroom sessions and it has been quite fascinating to learn more about the history of yoga and the benefit that the poses bring. Today I learned through meditiation how quickly my mind wants to wander- and to the strangest places! My goal for tomorrow is to be more centered and able to keep my mind focused for more than the count of three. I also learned that no matter how many times I have heard an instructor gives cues for a pose, it is a whole different story to be on the teaching side.

Well, afterall, that is what I am there for.