There are so many people that buy into yoga because it is a trend.
Yoga has become one of the items on a long list of consumerized
“products”. It has always been there but many people don’t
truly know the delicately weaved history and the multi-faceted
nature of yoga. It’s Hindu Roots stress the importance of integrating
the many paths of Yoga into every facet of ones life and that until
one does that the physical postures are just that-physical postures.
Here is a link outlining the history of Yoga
http://goldenyogi.co.nz/history-of-yoga/
There are four main paths of yoga which I will be describing in more
detail over the upcoming four posts. There are also many styles
of yoga: Here is a link to a list of styles with descriptions:
http://www.lululemon.com/education/yoga
Integrating yoga into all facets of your life may have
already happened and can happen organically just through the
practice of physical yoga. Just doing the postures can incite
a connection to spirit and allow you to witness a side of yourself
you didn’t know existed. On the other hand if you just use it
as a method of working out and feel disconnected from yourself
even though you are doing the physical postures than you are
not practicing traditional yoga.
Decide what it is you are trying to gain from yoga and then
path the way for yourself by integrating the yogic perspective
into those parts of your life.
Shop around when it comes to instructors; if you have an
instructor that is disconnected from the spirit of yoga and
does not absorb the yogic way of life-that teacher may
not be the right one for you if your goal is to widen your
connection to the source within and outside of yourself.
If yoga did not become so commercialized and maintained
it’s traditional roots I believe there would be more spiritually
healthy and connected people in the community.
On the other hand-the upside of the commercialization of
yoga has brought it into the light and allowed people to
seek solace in it’s practice-bringing them closer to themselves
and to their spiritual side.
Morning Meditation:
Journal Entry: What is your connection with yoga? When
was the first time you were interested in it? Does your
practice connect you at a deeper spiritual level or are
you left wanting more? If you have never done yoga;
what do you wish to gain from practicing it?
The History of Yoga-A Sweet Little Film
The History of Yoga-A Full Documentary
A Beautiful Playlist for Your Day
Evening Yoga Practice and Meditation:
Peace, Love & Namaste Em