Before I talk about yoga, here is a pic I took 4 years ago when I was in LA and I wanted to share. I feel that the sunset and water make the most wonderful combination to help me relax and remember how beautiful our world is.
Now, I have some really exciting news. I have had a growing desire to start teaching yoga for several years now, and this fall I am making it happen. I have been accepted to the teacher training program at Sankalpah, one of my favorite and one of the most challenging yoga studios at which I practice in NYC. I am thrilled to start this lifelong journey of teaching and being taught, inspiring and being inspired and, above all, growing deeper in my yoga practice, which is one of the most important parts of my life. I want to share some thoughts on yoga and why we practice...
These excerpts are taken from my Sankalpah teacher training application. Enjoy!
1) What does the word yoga mean?
Yoga literally means “union,communion,” and is related to the root yuj which means “to join, to yoke,” referring to our will uniting with God’s will. If you believe that Divinity lies within you, this union becomes more significant because the practice of yoga leads you to a state in which your mind and body are no longer at odds with one another. Instead, the mind and body find friendship, companionship, and acceptance within. They find stillness, reflection, and strength through observance without judgement. They lead each other and love each other.
In his book Light on Yoga, Iyengar describes yoga as “…a poise of the soul which enables one to look evenly at life in all its aspects.” If one “looks evenly,” he is able to observe and consider himself and others with an open mind, having the wisdom and clarity to avoid the drama and judgement that accompany so many aspects of our culture and lives. The person who truly commits himself to a life and practice of yoga is a person who is climbing the mountain of enlightenment, but feels no rush or anxiety about reaching the top.
2) Why do you practice yoga?
Primarily, I practice yoga for the stillness it brings to my life. I have always been a type A personality with perfectionist tendencies, so life was, in many ways, a constant struggle for me because I could never be still enough to hear my inner voice. A while back, I was journaling in a stream of consciousness when I had a revelation: “It is in the stillness and silence that I find the peace to move.” I have, over the course of my practice, learned to silence the struggle, the pain, and the voice of doubt and replace it with courage, patience, and hope (and I still have a long way to go!).
I also practice for the strength and power I feel in my body. There are poses and periods of stillness within every class that I once though I could never endure. However, my body continually amazes me and rises to the challenge every time I take a risk. My body is really my teacher, and I have found that if I refuse to choose its limitations, it will surpass my expectations about what it can or cannot do. I feel so fortunate to experience this growth and depth in my mind, spirit and body through yoga.
3) Why is it important to start where we are physically, mentally and spiritually?
The phrase “start where we are” reminds us to accept ourselves in the moment without forcing any particular pose, attitude or belief on ourselves. By saying “yes” to what already is, we open the door for growth and opportunity without putting pressure on our minds and bodies. It helps us to be patient with our own personal growth track, and helps us to avoid comparison and competition with others. In our yoga practice, we bring ourselves to the mat as we are and we are healed and restored each day. This is an ongoing process, and some days we will feel healthier, more vital, and more equipped than other days. If we struggle with ourselves and judge our progress, we are causing unnecessary discouragement. If we accept our physical, mental and spiritual state as it is, we find the peace of mind and courage to evolve and move forward. This is the purpose and hope of our practice.
I hope this inspires you and helps you to understand the meaning and practice of yoga. If you ever have any questions and don't know where to start, please ask me!
Namaste,
Tara ;)
