Yoga - It's a matter of perspective

One of the greatest gifts that i have received from yoga is an increased awareness that has allowed a significant shift in my perspective on life.

The beauty of yoga is that it truly is for anyone. Anytime you unroll your mat, you come exactly as you are at that moment in time. Just being there breathing is enough and it's perfect.

After gallons of sweat, numerous sore muscles and minor injuries, I've slowly come to the realization that it's not about the perfect pose - the pose is a tool that we use to gain a greater awareness of our bodies, our minds, and our relationship to the pose and more broadly, the world.

It is all about the journey. My journey. Your journey. Our journey. Wherever you happen to be, yoga meets you right there. This knowledge creates an environment of relaxation, safety and security. It provides freedom from expectations - it's an amazing opportunity to get out of our heads and get into the physical sensations of the body.

What does that mean? Through focusing on your breath and all of the physical sensations of the body, you can find a stillness in your mind and slowly begin cultivating the ability to be 100% in the present moment. Through that ability to focus in the present, self-awareness is gradually nurtured and expanded. We can then take the power of observation off of our mats and begin to approach daily life challenges from a more detached perspective. Learning to observe our mental patterns and initial reactions to physical stimulus, whether someone cuts you off in traffic or you experience a small victory, you can create a moment of stillness and use that space to respond rather than react.

As that awareness expands from the gross physical sensations to more subtle awareness, you learn to identify areas of stress, tension and tightness and gradually release those blockages allowing Prana, life energy, to flow freely and uninhibited throughout your body, creating ease, grace and a flow on your mat and in your life.

Yoga's numerous physical and wellness benefits become secondary to finding that stillness and inner peace - the union between your mind and body.

There are some modern day yogis that have cultivated such awareness that they can literally stop their own heartbeats for several minutes, be declared dead by a physician and then willfully bring themselves back to life.

While I am certainly not there yet, I have definitely found a more balanced, open and easeful flow in my life. My urge to slap a bitch may always remain my initial reaction, however, allowing myself the space to observe and detach before responding has certainly reduced the odds of an unnecessary act of violence.

Annica!! Annica!! Annica!! Be happy!! Be happy!!

Peace, love and namaste, bitches!!!