#yoga evolution

The perception of ourselves as a larger self as a holistic being is what we call yoga. This is the mystical union, the highest union, the ultimate understanding and the ultimate enlightenment, the Wahe Guru!

That is why the word yoga in Sanskrit refers precisely to this union. Yoga means “to unite” or “to subjugate”. (It's the same word we have in Spanish for the yoke that unites and subjugates the oxen.) On the one hand, it effaces the illusion of separation, and on the other, it subjugates ignorance.

Yoga consists precisely in uniting the individual part, which believes itself to be separate from the rest, with the totality of being and life.

The way we perceive our reality determines our relationship with ourselves and our environment. We need to regain our responsibility for ourselves, for our health, for coherence, for respect… Our perception can expand to larger boundaries. This is the suggestion and path of yoga.

Although there are different types and methods of yoga, they all have one goal and that is the happiness of the individual himself.

Throughout history, yoga has drawn from various philosophical and practical sources that bring individuals closer to that very happiness.

Srirangam Temple Bhujapidasana history of yoga Although some yoga teachers and authors consider yoga to be as old as humanity itself, we find the first historical references in the Vedic texts around 1500 years BC.

Around 700 years before Christ, yoga also made reference to the Upanishads and integrated this philosophy into the most spiritual yoga practices.

I have gone through several waves of questions and doubts and reflections on yoga since I stepped onto this path. 

Sometimes I think it is a superpower, a responsibility that we have. Sometimes I think it is an evolution of ... something. Other times I think it has lost its way. 

I am not sure what the answer is. Or if there is even a question to be answered. 

Maybe yoga dies because we westernised it. 

Maybe it lives because it is evolving, and in that evolution, it is still just a teenager trying to become its own version of a grown up. 

Maybe. 

We often hold yoga up as some kind of magical thing that has to transcend all human weakness. But yoga is just a tool, and like all tools, it will be what it is made to be by those who make it. For some of us, it is transformational. And for some of us, it means simply to be a more mobile, or softer and gentler in life. 

Change within the process of yoga is often taught with loaded words, like enlightenment, transcendence, and ascension, which we equate to those who are saintly and celibate, or have renounced their earthly riches. Big steps for someone who just wants to release their daily stress, find relief from their back pain or remain mobile as they age.

Yoga never really makes this claim though. It would be safer to say that yoga doesn't change people at all, but rather reveals a truer version of themselves. The original philosophy and teachings of yoga tell us that yoga's only aim is to remove the obstacles that prevent you from being, well, you; the real purpose of this practice in all its different forms, is essentially to release your shackled potential and bring you to your true Self, thereby allowing a freer, more joyful version of YOU.

That in and of itself is rather a big claim, but presumably, much easier for the average person to digest.

And why shouldn’t or can’t it be all that - movement, stillness, assistance with life, transcendent, chanting, no chanting, English, Sanskrit - and include everyone in its process? Why does it need to be so holy and sacred and aimed at something most people can’t even fathom aiming for, much less achieve? Why can’t it just be life? 

With that understanding, I am of the opinion that when we do yoga (and I think this is true of everywhere we go and everything we do in life) we have to choose the values we stand for, then go out and stand for and live those every day no matter what we do, using the tools we are given to help us do so. 

Honestly, I meant to write this about a month ago but better late than never.

I've made it a goal to promote significant people and places in my life. You may notice that I often link anything about a place or person to their website or related site information. If you didn't know that, now you do. 

AND if I mentioned you but failed to create a link to information and you'd like that changed or vise versa, please let me know.

Ultimately, this is something anyone regardless of wealth or position can do to help those around them. So, I do what some days is all I can do. Not all days, but due to things like emergency bills and the effort to stay alive (inside and out) it's more often than I would like it to be.

Yay, the working independent feast or famine conundrum! *SMILES*

Anyway, since I was about to be on the road for a month doing the Model Tour thing, and needing to treat my body with respect I found Kindness Yoga Studio in Denver,Co.

It took a little bit to find it. Even with my phone maps data it was still unclear where exactly the Broadway location was. I found a couple wonderful and totally worthwhile places along the way though: The Concoctory and Corvus Coffee Roasters which I talk about at more length in previous blogs.

I attended classes at the Kindness Studio all week with a first week free pass from the instructors. The flyer that was handed to me stated that this was not for people outside of the area but when I pointed this out they were by no means concerned.

It was apparent that to them sharing the practice was more important just as it became apparent upon attending classes that the confidence and faith in the studio is pervasive and that this was clearly a place of healing and growth. This convinced me that this was somewhere I would need to return to and where I would love to attend teaching instruction given the opportunity.

This was not the first time I considered yoga instruction either... that is a longer story. Perhaps for another blog? 

I attended nearly every day. Taking the all levels classes, including the nontraditional Outlaw Yoga class. I try not to do anything too "advanced" when I'm jumping studios. Every class has it's own challenges, like staying present, physical integrity, and respecting your body for example. Some days it's important to thank yourself for making it to class... she who has yet to find a new yoga studio in Seattle says.

Perhaps I've been spoiled by the environment at Kindness. It's entirely possible.

The pictures above are all from the women's locker room. I know it's a little odd to be thrilled about a locker room but... There were three shower stalls with filled shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers, clean towels to dry your hands at the sink, a vanity, a lounge, lockers and separate "water closets". I could hang have stayed there for hours and been perfectly content.... They may have asked me to leave if I had actually stayed a considerable amount of time but I got the impression that hanging out and reading after a shower might be an entirely acceptable activity after a class.

One day I came just to use the vanity before a gig because the set up is so nice, not to mention the abundance of natural light.

Did I mention the complementary blow dryer (for use! not a take home! Just in case someone was thinking of going there), lotion, cotton balls, cotton swabs, and tampons?

You can see my cherry blossom adorned pink yoga mat with the water bottle next to it. 

All and all this was a great place to be. I did a lot of thinking and wrestled some internal revelations, some angels and some demon, here. There may have been crying, but I'm not saying there was.

Ok, there totally was. It's what I do, I feel. :)