It really is quite ridiculous to think that putting your body in silly shapes will lead you to enlightenment – right? I mean really – how exactly does that work? How is standing and looking like a tree (sort of) going to give me peace when all it seems to give me is wobbly ankles and irritating beads of sweat that sometimes sting my eyes?
Well, let me tell you how I’ve come to know yoga. After a year long 500 hour Advanced Yoga Studies Program, I’ve come to know my yoga mat as a 2×6 foot laboratory. A place where I can put myself into uncomfortable situations (poses) and notice what arises. Is it frustration? Anger? Jealousy? Inadequacy? A place to notice what is really happening versus what the screaming 3 year old red headed stepchild in my head (also known as ego) has to say about it. Is it just wobbly ankles or is it the fact that I think I shouldn’t have wobbly ankles that is the issue? It’s about finding peace amongst the chaos. If I can find peace amongst the chaos “on” my yoga mat, then I assure you , I can find peace amongst the chaos “off” my yoga mat and show you how to do the same (IF….big giant IF…I/you choose to practice off the mat). Trust me, there’s no difference in my reaction to a “frustrating” yoga pose (asana) compared to my reaction in a “frustrating” life pose such as: stuck in a long line at the bank when I’m in a hurry.
If you love yoga simply for the exercise, stretching, toning, or relaxation of it – awesome! Keep doing it, but realize that is almost just a lovely side benefit to what the authentic power of yoga has to offer if one is willing to do the work to unlocking your potential and creating an extraordinary life out of ordinary moments.
Best of all, you don’t need me as your yoga instructor, your experience and applied principles from your own life will be your greatest teacher.
Angie
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