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the rest of humanity, here is my take on how the yoga path can
help you create the best version of yourself and share that self
with the world.
no Competition In a yoga class, you are taught to
respect your body and your energy. If you are feeling crummy
that day, take care of yourself and respect what your body is
telling you. If you are feeling energized, take your practice to the
edge, but always check your ego at the door and respect your
limitations. Yoga is never about being better than anyone—
it’s about doing your best and letting go of any attachment to
outcome.
^
Self-Inquiry As with all things you love, you need
balance. When you only work on your craft and don’t strengthen
yourself in other areas, you can get burnt out. Yoga allows you
to not only stretch and strengthen your body; it allows you to
slow down enough to see your strengths and weaknesses. Your
yoga practice will be your greatest place for self-inquiry not only
on the mat, but also off the mat and in the world.
^
^ focused intentions Every pose in a yoga class has
a purpose. Some are meant to prep you for what comes next,
while others are there to counter what you just did. Life does
not wait for anyone. Time goes on, and it’s important to have
a focus for yourself and where you want to end up. When you
look back on your life, what is the legacy you want to leave?
Every class I teach, I have my students think of an intention for
their day, week, month or life. I ask them to let this be the thing
they bring their mind back to each time they notice their mind
wandering. This focused intention helps one to keep their mind
on what matters and let go of the rest of the mindless chatter.
be of service The path of yoga means union—
literally, “oneness with the Divine.” So if we are all one, then we
should be of service to each other. Great leaders, teammates,
friends and lovers support and help one another in order to help
to make each other’s lives easier. Yoga is about community and
helping each other out, forgiving each other’s failures, and being
able to relate to another person’s setbacks while also being of
service to them in their time of need, knowing they will do the
same for you. Life is all about the exchange of energy, and yoga
helps us all to relate and communicate with one another more
effectively.
^
self-love A great yoga teacher will help their students
love who and where they are on their journey. Life is about love,
and when we are negative toward others or ourselves, life will
be challenging. When we find ourselves talking negatively to
ourselves, it’s important to switch our thoughts to something
uplifting. A mantra or affirmation is a phrase that is repeated in
order to give you that miraculous shift in perception. Perception
^
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is simply your state of mind reflected outward, and a mantra
can help you shift your perception from fear or judgment to love
when used consistently. You will find that this act of perceptual
shifting will drastically change your energy and, remarkably,
everyone you attract to you, as well.
^ breath control The best and quickest way to release
stress, nervousness or anxiety is through breath concentration.
Breathing exercises can be used at any time to shift your state
of energy and mind. Simply STOP what you are doing and
focus on your in-breath and out-breath; when the mind wanders,
bring your thoughts back to your breath and watch as your mind
and body begin to soften and the stresses begin to fall away.
letting go One of the most important aspects of yoga
is non-attachment. Yes, you should love your life and the things
in your life, but you also need to have a sense of not being
controlled by anything, and to not lose yourself when something
goes away. Set intentions for a successful life, show up and
work hard, but let go of the outcome and trust that the Universe
will provide for you. Having the need to control everyone or
everything will only cause you suffering. Let go of negativity,
fear and control, and learn to let life flow while you stay in the
present moment.
^
visualize Much of your success in your sport or
career has to do with believing in yourself and in your mission.
When you enter a yoga class, we will often have you visualize
something that gives you strength and power; this will help you
cultivate the strength and power that already lies within. Once
you have cultivated the strength and energy needed to make
something happen—it simply just happens. It’s like the phrase:
“Success is opportunity meeting preparation.”
^
^ concentration We all know the mind is BUSY. If we
do not develop the ability to concentrate our mind, we will be at
the whim of every rampant thought. Success comes from focus,
preparation and action. Our number-one goal should be to reel
in the mind over and over again, bringing it back to the present
moment, what it is we desire for our life, and remain focused on
that intention.
^ bliss Our true purpose on this planet is to be happy.
Life is now, not in the goal you’re trying to reach. If you’re
so focused on the goal and not alive in this moment, giving
the world your best you, then you’re doing it wrong. Our love
and peace comes in the simple things: a child’s laugh, a walk
on the beach, a sunset or moments with family and friends.
That’s it. Let’s not over-complicate it. Follow the yogi’s path to
enlightenment and watch yourself fall in love with your life and
enjoy true happiness.
May 2015 eNewsletter 15