People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
What do you think first when you hear about learning to go deeper in your yoga practice? Mastering an advanced asana or standing on your head for five minutes or “fill in the physical achievement here?” Sure, working consistently toward your edge in yoga is valuable and for many is as deep as they care to go in their practice. That’s fine! But this week, we’re delving beneath the surface of the physical body and connecting to something deeper.
When we shift our awareness away from the external and tune in to our thoughts and emotions, we are cultivating our awareness of our authentic self. Yoga is an opportunity to slip off the masks we wear and trust and love who we are at our center.
Many esteemed yoga scholars teach that we’re all born with a bright light within ourselves, and it is through life experiences and choices that our beacons dim. Difficult family life, trauma, and choices against our natural instincts can all weigh us down. Then, we’re no longer living according to our true values and desires. With consistent yoga practice, you can systematically shed each layer, like a snake sloughing its rough skin to reveal the shiny new underneath.
This transformation into the best version of yourself takes dedication and effort. Learning to love and accept yourself exactly the way you are is challenging. We’ve all internalized criticism and disappointment and over time other people’s judgments have shaped our view of ourselves. Who doesn’t remember a sharp critique from childhood or massive failure from last week? Don’t allow these factors to become a part of you forever.
When you work to connect to your own heart and mind, you can release attachment to negativity and trust you are perfect inside. Your light is there, waiting to be uncovered and shared. Only when you connect to your own spirit can you truly connect with others and the universal energy.
This week, take the time to polish off some of the dirt obscuring your beautiful, individual light. Dive in with us and connect with your deepest self.
Devotion Intensive V: Spinning Warrior - Mark Morford
Yin Yoga: Head and Heart - Kylie Larson
Flow into Presence - Jackie Casal Mahrou
Backbends for Dusting of the Heart - Caitlin Rose Kenney