You may often hear the word practice in the yoga world and it simply means the opposite of perfection. It is quite simply continuing to show up every day, making an effort, and accepting where you are while being as kind to yourself as possible. Aside from physically practicing yoga, other yogic practices from my life are also woven into class.
1. Unconditional Self-Friendliness. Being kind to yourself and releasing judgement, resisting the urge to push past what your body enjoys, learning to hear and honor when your body says no.
2. Compassion – The ability to stop running from the difficult emotions of yourself and others and allow yourself to experience them
3. Joy – Becoming a student of what brings you joy and making room it in your life. Allowing yourself to be happy for the good fortune of others.
4. Equanimity – Allowing yourself to accept life as it comes and respond to it rather than being stuck wishing life would have happened differently.
5. Focus – Reflecting on what is important, realizing we will inevitably drift, and coming back once we realize we have without getting stuck judging ourselves.
Yoga is about more than getting into poses – it is an entire Hindu philosophical system that covers how we treat others, ourselves, and move toward connection with something greater. I do my best to honor the lineage of teachers who have handed this practice down to western yogis like me, recognize my privilege, and try to avoid appropriative behavior. I commit to continue to listen, learn, and grow.