Yoga – A Workout or a Work In?
What do we see when we think of yoga? The beautiful postures? The crazy pretzel poses? Happy, smiling people on the mat? An outdoor class with the mountains, the trees, or the beach in the background?
Yup, that’s what I see too. But there is so much more than the physical aspect to yoga. For over 20 years I have practiced yoga, and until a few years ago I only thought of yoga in terms of the workout. I didn’t go any deeper to uncover the beauty and wonder of yoga beyond the poses.
Yoga is about discovery – of self, of others, and the world. It teaches us that we are all one and no matter where you are at in your journey through life, we can still learn and grow from the tools yoga offers. Yoga truly mean union – the union of mind, body, and spirit.
Over the past few years I have learned so much, about myself, about my body, and about what it is I truly desire out of life. Yoga has helped me to become more in alignment with my dharma or my purpose, and my true self. My mornings now consists of a combination of journaling, meditation, and sun salutations as I open up my day to new possibilities.
Meditation is something that I struggled with for a long time. I just couldn’t get myself to sit and be still for so long. The good news is that’s ok. Even just a few moments of quiet contemplation will help you to gain understanding and focus. I still have monkey mind but through breath, meditation, and finally grasping the true meaning of yoga I am able to focus on what is I truly want and stay in alignment with my true purpose here on earth.
Here are some things I have learned from changing my practice from a workout to a work in:
Listening to my intuition and following my heart
Having more empathy and understanding for others
Quieting my mind and learning to let go of things that no longer serve me
Identifying my core values and understanding the why behind them
Manifesting the life I want
Yoga is a great workout, keeps our bodies moving and in shape. I love that and always have. But by moving my focus beyond just the physical I have been able to deepen my practice and grow in ways I would never have if I hadn’t focused on yoga beyond the mat.
The success of yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and relationships – TKV Desikachar
Yoga Beyond the Mat is about taking care of yourself, body, mind, and soul. The Ultimate Self-Care Starter Kit – a complete self-care package to help you release the tension in your body and calm and quiet the mind.
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