Why I love Yoga

There is a saying that I have heard Yoga Instructors use to open up the spirit, heart and mind of the students... it is simply "How Wonderful."

Breathe in... lift your arms out wide and your shoulders up... fill your lungs completely... bring a smile to your face and as you exhale melt and say "How Wonderful."

This is opening to grace. Creating the space in the body for wonderful things to happen. When the body opens up our mind opens and our spirit can shine. Practicing yoga, to me, isn't just a series of postures on my mat at home, studio or a gym. Yoga is what I learn from those postures and what I take with me as I walk out into the world. It allows me to be steadfast in my values and beliefs and shields me from the hurricanes that pass me on the outside.

There is a style of yoga that I practice and love called Anusara. This style of yoga has five Universal Principles. Three of which are (1) Open to Grace, (2) Muscular Energy and (3) Organic Expansion. Utilizing these three principles together are how I've survived a divorce, a major move, the sudden loss of my father and being laid off from my job within 3 years.

In this style of yoga allowing yourself to open to possibilities is the first step. Without preconceived notions, expectations of a specified result and openness to the Divine anything can happen. But, the work still needs to be done... and this is where Muscular Energy comes into play.

With muscular energy we are steadfast. We use muscles we never realized we had to lengthen, deepen and widen our poses. This energy can change the way a person walks, stands and talks. With muscular energy we stay true to what we value. Those compassionate beliefs that are at the core of our heart. We stand true in these beliefs and nothing that happens outside can rock us. But too much muscular energy and the pose becomes rigid... the flexibility to open up to new ideas, concepts or poses becomes more difficult. Enter Organic Expansion.

With Organic Expansion the steadfastness of the pose doesn't change. The foundation has been built but the time has come to soften the edges. This happens within the calm and serenity of the breath. This is where the spirit shines out from the core. The more stable the core the greater the shine.

These three lessons are what I take with me from class... daily and sometimes twice a day... no matter what style of yoga class I take. Keeping with me the openness to accept possibility, strength in my foundation and belief in my connection to the Divine and ability to unapologetically shine out. When there are rumors, issues, and problems that could potentially shake foundations I breathe and remember the strength in my values and my connection to the Divine. I renew my focus and take another step forward choosing to believe what I know to be true in my heart instead of conjecture. Those things that happen outside of me are exactly that... outside of me and out of my control. Yoga teaches me to become more flexible to potential outside influences that may effect me and keeps me rooted in the present moment... focused on my breath... and the actions necessary for me to achieve my goals.

... How Wonderful ...

I have an unwavering conviction to this style of yoga that has taught me more about life, my crooked body and how to be with my mile-a-minute mind. It is in my heart and part of my soul. It is here where I feel at home. The concepts, alignments, language and foundation that this style delivers is not for everyone. However, in this style, those that stay rooted in their convictions will continue to shine and teach others how to tap into their inner light. They will continue to be of service in the midst of any storm. It is the people... the Kula... the community with this strength that I know I can count on to get me through anything.

THIS is why I love yoga.