Yoga reminds us that having a human life is an awesome opportunity! It does not matter if you are physically beautiful, or materially rich. Yes it’s a nice bonus, but what we do with the life we are given is up to us. While each of us have a different set of circumstances, we all have some capacity to create inner freedom.
The superficial is not important to the yogi. The connection to cosmic consciousness is what's important. Through the practices of yoga the body will be its most beautiful, yet as yogis we are most interested in how we feel in our inner world. Higher states of consciousness which are possible through yoga, create a greater sense of connection to ourselves and the world around us and these benefits are far greater than any vanity benefits of the practice. Life is limited, so take good care of your body so you can become conscious and be present for the adventure of your life as much as you can.
Yoga allowed me the consciousness to remember that my time in my body is limited. It is something I remember, as I give thanks each morning when I awake from sleep. It is what inspires me to explore, and gives me the strength to be myself in the world and enjoy my time here.
Yoga can also make us conscious enough to be braver. I value courage. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about self-awareness. It’s about the journey of the practice, the art of showing up. Albert Einstein told us that to create the reality we want we must match the frequency of the reality we want. It is actually very simple. Everything is simple when you break it down. Everything you have done has led you to this moment.
In yoga we get the opportunity to go within and connect with ourselves. We don’t have to go through anyone else to learn more ourselves through yoga. And we must get to know ourselves, if we are interested healing, health, and enlightenment. We must heal to experience enlightenment. Be brave, face the darkness, and face the light, by consistently showing up on your yoga mat.
Why is it so hard to shift perspective or consistently practice? What is your relationship to change?
Nature teaches us to accept and embrace change. More time connecting with nature reveals to us that shifting perspectives and moving through change is natural, and it is something all life experiences. Change is not something to fear, it is something to celebrate. When we experience change we get to learn something new.
We create our own challenges when we resist change. Usually challenges are a measure of our resistance to change, and our resistance to show up to the present moment, especially if it is uncomfortable.
Yoga should be approached humbly, because once conscious it is harder to go back to unconsciousness ways of being. Yoga is becoming popular because it heals us. It heals our relationship to our body, mind, relationships with one another, and our relationship with all life, by uplifting our consciousness.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, what the current condition of your body is in, you can begin the practice of yoga right now. Now is always the right time to do your best. Do your practice of yoga, on and off the yoga mat. Make the connection to the mystery available within each asana. There is a teacher in each pose and the teacher is you.
For example, when we go upside down in poses like Downward Facing Dog, we literally shift our perspective up side down. We are purposely taking unconscious action like the breath, the movement of our body, and our thoughts and making it all conscious. These is a transformative shift of perception by putting our bodies into these shapes, that goes far beyond just the physical benefits. They shapes literally change our state of consciousness.
Transformation takes time. Putting it all together takes time. Don’t get ahead of yourself, don’t rush, or be in a great hurry. Stay in the moment. The moment contains the experience you need to have.
Live this moment fully present. It is the way to get to the next moment. Nature is patient. Don’t forget we are connected to nature. The increasing your consciousness takes nurturing. Engage naturally. A farmer knows the seed will not grow to her plea of now. She just is now and nurtures the moment to grow her garden.
By Shannon Connell
Shannon is a certified Jivamukti, Power, Yin, Hot Yoga, and Mindfulness Meditation Instructor, Usui and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher, and Registered Psychotherapist. She honors the interconnectedness between All-beings and All-things and is passionate about participating and supporting her community in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. You can visit Shannon and learn more through her website, www.shannonconnellhealth.com.
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