What Is Yoga?

The union between you and you—what you think you are, and what you really are.

Yoga is the journey from misunderstanding to understanding.

Understanding is an exact evaluation. 

Misunderstanding is an over/under evaluation, or an opposite.

Yoga is the optimum function of a human organism.

Monkey Family

My body and mind are totally exhausted but I feel internal peace. Every muscle in my body has an acute awareness; a reminder of being alive. Life is always moving, changing, evolving. This training offers so much information both physically and mentally, that it is not possible to understand it all at the moment. This experience will take time to evaluate—the ideas, the philosophy, the anatomy, and the strenuous asanas—some more difficult than others; all taught with a gentle understanding. All bodies are different and it is important to let go of ego when trying to get my body to response, knowing that I may not look like the next person and that is okay. Yoga is personal, it is not about how far, how long, or how limber you are, or how you compare to another yogi. It’s about knowing your limits and going beyond them as best you can. 

I briefly thought about skipping class tonight but drug my tired butt up the three flights of stairs to the studio in spite of myself, wondering if it was even worth the attempt being as tired as I felt. Jeez informed the class that it was a full moon and not a healthy time to do strenuous asanas, so we were blessed with a restorative practice. It was still tougher than my own restorative class, but a much needed break from the usual Astanga flow. Talking to my spirit guides each night, asking for guidance, strength and perseverance to get me through this month has definitely helped.

I am humbled by how little I know about the science of yoga. I am also aware I have not been teaching yoga, but rather asana class. It would take years of studying the science to actually teach it. When I leave here I will  definitely teach a better asana class with some added  knowledge, but will still question the title ‘yoga teacher.' Yoga is so much more than performing postures—philosophy, anatomy, breathing, and a conscious approach to healthy living are equally important. Yoga is a way of being, it is pure consciousness, it is understanding, it is questioning, it is examining life. To quote the philosophy instructor: “Please don’t accept what I am saying, please do not reject what I am saying. Hold on to it. Remain impartial, investigate, meditate and reach your own conclusion.” We have all the answers inside ourselves; by meditating we can access everything we need to evolve in this life. 

Sharing Lunch

Besides having this in-depth training, being in this magical country where life flows to the rhythm of the natural cycle, is humbling. We are walking with the cows, dogs, and monkeys on the village streets. I went to pet a calf today but the momma cow was having none of it. She bowed her head and ever so gently pushed her horns into me to let me know it was not okay. At that precise moment we spoke a universal language without exchanging any words.

I hand-wash my clothes in a large bucket in the bathroom with organic, chemical free soap and rinse them in water scented with lime essential oil. The oils are made at a local herb farm. I had a stuffy nose and was prescribed turmeric oil by the herbalist, one drop on the tongue every 4 days. Like magic, my nose is clear. I leave my clothes to dry in the sun and hope the monkeys don’t decide to take off with a shirt, sock or whatever strikes their fancy. They usually drop their treasure after the escape, unless it is food. I was missing my favorite out-of-shape sweater, my walking-the-dog wool one that is so old and really should be thrown away, but I can’t bear to part with it yet.  I found it in a palm tree in front of the Ashram. I saw a monkey at the market jump out of a tree onto a fruit stand, grabbing a banana and running back up the tree. This is normal, and no one reacts. Living close to the earth with the animals is just the way of life in India, and it feels natural. Life is simple with few distractions. I have not listened to the world news, and refuse to read the political posts on Facebook—it took a week to ween myself. I am taking a break and bet when I return to the US not much will have changed, just more negative rhetoric that we allow our minds to consume daily. It is the norm I know, and am seriously questioning. I have been introduced to a much more peaceful way of existence.

Dancing in the Streets

My shower is a bucket of steaming water and a cup with a spout used for scooping up the water and pouring it over my body in the tiled bathroom. The drain is under the sink and there is a squeegee to dry the floor. I purchased a bar of natural soap at the herbal store for less than 60¢. There is no TV anywhere and it is common to hear dogs barking and cows mooing into the night, along with spiritual music. All of this is the accepted norm in Rishikesh. I am eating a vegetarian diet of mung beans, lentils, spinach, rice, peas, potatoes, and fresh fruit. I haven’t missed life as I know it. We went out for a cheese pizza last night and I now understand why we are fed what we are at the Ashram. The pizza was too heavy and left me feeling bloated, something I haven’t felt on the vegetarian diet.

After beating myself up for being so exhausted today, I learned that the younger students are feeling the same. The training is demanding and strenuous. So many people are sick with colds and flu like symptoms. My immune system has been exposed to so much in my years on this planet, that I am happy to say nothing has effected me other than sheer exhaustion. We are approaching the end of our second week, the half-way mark, and instead of morning asana class tomorrow we are going for a hike, and instead of lectures we are seeing a movie called “The History of Yoga.” Sunday is our day of rest and we have a scheduled trip to the new Ashram that will serve as a retreat for Living Yoga in the coming months. After 14-years, Yog Peeth is closing their doors to yoga teacher training in March. We will be one of the last graduating classes. 

Little Babe

I am reading the Alchemist and find it to be like our philosophy lessons, all rolled into a book. My mind is spinning with so much to think about. This incredible place called Rishikesh is considered a holy city in India. I am blessed to be here and know this is a life-altering experience. We are constantly changing and evolving in this Universe, and this experience is an intregal part of my own personal journey.

Learn to Listen to The Language of Your Soul

Peace & Love, Namasté