International Yoga Day
What if we took the vibes and lessons from the mat… and rocked them in real life?
Picture this: Your fave yoga class kicks off at 6 PM, but you’re scrambling out of a meeting, bumper-to-bumper in traffic, yet somehow you make it just in time.
...the mad dash for zen and stillness.
Zoom ahead to the class wrapping up in Savasana, where you psych yourself up to rejoin reality:
“Until next week, NAMASTE,” and poof, it's done.
We’re pros at slotting our experiences into neat little boxes.
Like, “Alright, checked that off. Awesome, right?! Next up!”
But hold on, is that really the best way?
What if we took the vibes and lessons from the mat… and rocked them in real life?
Real yoga kicks in the moment you step off the mat. Trust me on this...
Today, on International Yoga Day, with the theme 'Yoga for Self and Society,' it feels crucial to highlight.
In Yogic philosophy, Patanjali's classical yoga breakdown in his Yoga Sutras spell out the eight limbs: yamas (morals), niyamas (self-discipline), asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (focus), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (enlightenment).
8 steps, guiding you from the outside in.
Notice though, Asana - the practice of posture - is just 1/8th of that.
Practicing yoga is a gift. It doesn't demand anything from you except to engage, to learn, to practice, all for your own self-growth.
Below I have compiled a few of my favourite quotes of wisdom that may inspire you to take your yoga off the mat today, and perhaps in the future. Do any speak to you on this day?
“Be happy for those who are happy, have compassion towards the unhappy, and maintain equanimity towards the wicked”. - Patanjali
“True knowledge is not attained by thinking. It is what you are; it is what you become.” - Sri Aurobindo
“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success”. - Swami Sivananda Saraswati
“Having lots of money while not having inner peace is like dying of thirst while bathing in the ocean.” - Paramahansa Yogananda
“Everyday, twice a day if you are reminded that you will also die, then naturally you will move towards knowing higher dimensions of perception.” - Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” – Pema Chödrön.
“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.” – Pema Chödrön
If you want to learn more about taking your practice beyond the limitations of your mat, you’re welcome to send me a message by hitting the button below.
Take care of yourself and one another.
N x