Yogatory!

Yogatory – a theoretical laboratory about the magic of Yoga.

Just like life has many layers, so does Yoga.  We call them limbs and there are 8 of them.  The best bit – they are transferable to all facets of living, regardless of whether you have ever stepped onto a Yoga mat! Yoga by the way is not a religion, for me it’s medicine. It’s an experimental, experiential inquiry of the self, though the self, to the self.  Touching your toes ain’t got diddly squat on the rest of the package!

There is a heck of a lot of writing done on the subject and most stem from the Yoga Sutras (ancient texts) as described by the darling sage Patanjali. I’m going to keep my interpretation as palatable as possible.  But I’m 100% taking advantage of the opportunity to shine the light of awareness on the OTHER elements of Yoga because like most peeps, I was seduced initially by the physical postures, the Asana.  Now though, 2 years on from completing my first teacher training, I can simply say Asana is just one part of the whole.  It’s not what I live for and wait for it…it’s not even what I do #everydamnday.  Yes I practice Asana regularly but teaching 6 or 7 classes a week, 1/2 on the mat 1/2 floating around the room adjusting does not constitute a solid Asana practice….BUT I am still practicing Yoga.  Sharing yourself, your truths, your vulnerabilities and imperfections in front of a bunch of people is an intense (mostly wonderful) experience!

The 8 limbs are like a road map to union.  Like any good road trip, it’s all about the journey as opposed to fixating on the destination. We need to go through all the detours, pause a drink in the beauty around us, peel off some layers, refuel etc. These various stages (sometimes disguised as setbacks) are all preparation, all laying down of a solid foundation to lead us…home.

I’m making a #commitment# (I shrink even typing that word!) that for the next 10 weeks I’m going to roll through the first two limbs – the Yamas & the Niymas and share my reflections here.  Yes there are 10 but no they are not commandments. For me, they are my guide, a moral compass.

First up, I’m re-visiting Ahimsa – something I hold very close to my heart..