What is Yoga?
Dear friends,
Everyone is familiar with the term, but I suspect not that many people know what yoga actually is. It's a lot more than postures and meditation.
Yoga is the sanskrit word for "to unite". Unite what? Unite our individual consciousness with Spirit. To remove the barriers that keep us separate, and keep us from feeling the deep sense of joy and connectedness which all people all seek, knowingly or not. Yoga, then, is best understood as a complete way of life that takes into account all the different parts of us: body, mind, heart, and soul.
Meditation seeks to calm the mind. This is essential to feel Spirit's gentle whispers. Yoga postures seek to calm the body. If, while trying to meditate, you are thinking, "Gosh. My back is killing me!", meditation becomes quite challenging.
Diet also affects consciousness, as you have surely noticed after a big meal! The company we keep, the books we read, the music we listen to, etc. are all factors that can interfere with true yoga.
But this ought not feel intimidating for two important reasons: The first is that when dealing with humans, progress is directional, not absolute. We want to move in the right direction. Period. Otherwise, it's like the farmer who plants a seed and digs it up every few hours to see how it's doing. In fact, the sanskrit word "maya" is used to refer to the ultimate all-comprehensive delusion. It also happens to be the sanskrit word for "the measurer." Relax and do the best you can with a light heart and open mind. And stop measuring, comparing, and analyzing. You will soon see progress that leaves you feeling happier and more centered.
The second bit of good news is that a refined palate actually enjoys food more. Subtle tastes not even noticed by most people become quite enjoyable once the nervous system is calm and open. This can be a bit of a problem if you are stuck on the Interstate and hungry. But the more we can follow the various principles of yoga and pay attention to our surroundings of all kinds (physical and mental), the more we can begin to feel Spirit with us all the time no matter what the circumstance.
Blessings,
David G., manager
For the staff at East West