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Life off the Yoga Mat

what is yoga?

Have you ever wondered that, while in Savasana, or in a sweaty balancing pose that has pushed you to your limits?


What is this thing, this yoga, that I keep coming back to?


Is it really an ancient tradition or is it something that has been completely changed and adapted to more of a workout? An alternative to your classes at the gym? Something else to post to your Instagram stories?


I'll start with a simple definition, taken from Patanjali, who is known as the author who wrote the Yoga Sutras (circa 200 BCE-500 CE), which were created as a guide to take us on the path to self realization and enlightenment.

Accordingly to Patanjali, yoga is the "cessation of the fluctuations of the mind."

Hmmm, that's it?


But think about it. If you were to read your brain waves, on a printout from a machine, what would you see?


Would the lines be jagged peaks and drops, mimicking all the thoughts in your head:

what you need to do today

what you were supposed to do yesterday

your rapid thoughts

your elevated emotions


Take that image and imagine making some softer waves across the page, taking some longer, smoother breaths to feel the effects of calming the fluctuations of the mind, on the way to Patanjali's ultimate goal of cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.


Take some of those breaths now, as you read this.


How does it make you feel?


That's a good start.


I hope to see you on your mat to keep your journey moving, in whatever direction you're headed. I am always honored to guide you.


Lots of love and tons of yoga,


Jill



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