To Yolk

 

Friday, September 18, 2020 (Part I), 

If you're new to yoga, and are looking to gain experience, my humble opinion (that no one asked for), is that you head to youtube, buy a DVD, or get some other form of media that helps you understand how to begin.  I've linked the 13 minute video above several times into this blog, as it's an excellent example of how I, and many practitioners, begin their physical/Asanas; you don't need to look like this guy (I certainly don't), but he demonstrates the flow, and the technique of Sun Salutes/Surya Namaskar, flawlessly.   

I've maintained a practice for well over decade, and will always consider myself a beginner.  If you're a beginner too, but looking to expand into the world of yoga, buy a yoga mat and, if you're invested, buy at least two foam support blocks and a strap (I keep these accouterments next to my mat at all times, and still use them occasionally, especially if I've been neglecting my practice, and have lost either strength, or flexibility).  After you have everything you need, challenge yourself to go to your mat every morning for one week.  It doesn't need to be 1 hour of focused meditation followed by 2+ hours of physical postures/Asanas; your practice can begin as light and simple as 5 minutes of breathing/prayer/meditation followed by 15-20 minutes of Sun Salutes/Surya Namaskar.

Step back for a moment and ask, "what is yoga?".  You'll get many opinions and thoughts on it but, even though it's peer edited, and can never be used as a way to site your sources, the definition on Wikipedia, linked here, is also a great place to begin.    

In Western culture, yoga is seem primarily as a form of physical exercise, stress release, or relaxation.  As a Westerner, I can say that physical exercise, stress release, and relaxation are all completely valid reasons to pursuing and building a practice, and can personally attest that my practice has brought me all of these things.  However, if you want to move beyond the physical/Asana side of a yoga practice, you may find that the overarching goal of a practice is to yolk, unify and connect yourself to God (...again...that's my humble opinion, that no one asked for).

That's enough chit chat.....time to begin...

Friday, September 18, 2020 (Part II), 

Writing after my practice, on my mat, having just come of Savasana, always provides a different perspective to my writing before my practice (Part I).  I promise that I do practice what I preach (most of the time), in that I diligently come to my mat every morning and I try to make each practice meaningful and enriching.  I always feel better after I practice but, like all things, some days are better than other.  Some practices leave you on fire, others leave you feeling only marginally better, and some land you right in between.  Yolk yourself (in the world of yoga I interpret that to mean you're intentionally connecting your mind, body, spirit, etc. into one connected thing), and you will become a master of yourself. 

Time to shower up and enter the world. 

Namaste