By traditional definition, yoga means union or yoke. The joining of body and mind through breath, asanas (poses), meditation, chanting, relaxation…many different ways to join the body and mind.
When people call inquiring about classes many ask what exactly is yoga and how do you teach it? I begin by telling them that yoga is an experience that only the participant can truly answer that question. What is yoga to you and what are you looking to gain from the practice? Sure, I tell them the ‘style’ of yoga I teach and what to expect from classes, but the true essence of “what is yoga” really begins with the student.
Today there are so many different ‘styles’ of yoga that it is confusing and for so many years yoga had a reputation of being something you did on a mountain top secluded away from life. When I was in my early 20′s living out west in a mountain ski town, a dear friend of mine asked if I wanted to start practicing yoga with him. He was very devoted to the practice and I remember telling him “Are you crazy? Me do yoga? The one that runs, skis, rides, swims, why in the world would I want to practice something like yoga”. Little did I know at the time that 10 years later I would find myself practicing this thing called yoga!
For me yoga is about finding that place within ourselves so you can reconnect with your own inner peace, your own well being and allowing yourself to open your heart to what surrounds you and your being. I have experienced different ‘styles’ of yoga, some were great experiences, some not so great. Now that I have been teaching for over 12 years and I have seen many people come and go, new ways of teaching yoga, yoga now the popular ‘thing’ to do…everyone carrying around yoga mats and having to have that yoga ‘look’…I stop and wonder to myself…what is yoga? Does it mean that since it’s the hip thing to do one practices it, does it mean that the clothes are hip looking and all the ‘stuff’ now that one needs to practice is cool, and the whole Hollywood scene practices some sort of yoga? I think we are all guilty of getting caught up in the moment, but then you need to allow yourself to step back, take a deeper look around, and honestly ask yourself, what is yoga and what does it mean for/to you?
I believe that 5,000 years ago when the priests in India were practicng yoga they were in the moment, truly connecting to body and mind. I believe that yoga wasn’t intended to be cool, hip or even a workout…I believe yoga is meant to be a personal practice with proper guidance from a qualified teacher who is there to guide you safely down along your path of yoga. Not to judge you of what you can and can not do, or what kind of person they ‘assume’ you are. I also believe that there needs to be a balance…after all balancing poses should be part of the practice. Do I think one should have some sort of daily practice, yes…but do I think one needs to change their life for yoga, no…balance in life is what keeps life going.
So here I am back to the beginning…So What is Yoga? Yoga is the joining/union of body, mind and spirit, yoga is a journey, yoga constantly is changing your thoughts, your body, your being, yoga is fun and should be full of laughter, yoga allows you to find your place, your balance in life, yoga is your personal practice and allows you to embrace whatever you need to experience from the practice….so the answer to the question…you tell me!
Peace and Love…Molly
