The last couple of years have been like a dream for me! I have achieved so much delving into my own self enquiry, something I would not have even entertained before this journey. Everything that has happened has brought me to this moment and I have been wondering...what next? Where do I go from here? How do I share this amazing experience with others? The answer of course is baby steps. Start from a vision and see where it goes. "Trust the process" as my Yoga Teachers say.
My own experience of yoga has changed me physically, emotionally and cognitively in many ways, to name a few I am:
*Less reactive
*More accepting
*Observant of my feelings
*Aware of my own being
*Trusting of myself and my abilities
*Not worrying about what others think
*Non-judgmental...what will be will be
*Allowing myself to just be
My personal journey started after 18 years of trauma through pregnancy and illness and this will be the same for many many others that I meet on my path. Soul Sanctuary, my yoga home was a very welcoming place back in 2020 when I joined thinking I needed something to help me through the peri-menopause and after only 3 months, covid hit...bam! The team were amazing reaching out to us all, asking for our support whilst they rallied around to set up the online teaching. That's when my journey really began. I checked in most days and chatted to the community about life in lockdown as we shared our experiences. Like an awful lot of people I really enjoyed the virtual connection as the physical connection had been taken away from us all. I think we all found our communities where we could.
As life has slowly returned to normal and we are working our way towards Autumn 2021, I am starting to think about my Yoga Teacher Training Qualification I received over the summer. My whole being knows that I have to reach out to others who think Yoga is inaccessible to them because it isn't! My Power Vinyasa sequence can be adapted to use on a chair for people who cannot stand for long periods of time. It can also be altered for someone who needs to be standing and cannot reach the floor easily. Modifications are easily given by using chairs, walls, blocks and taking support when needed. One to one appointments are available for those who are feeling overwhelmed by a busy setting, to gradually build that confidence and learn to trust the process. Many changes can be made so that everyone can access this ancient therapy in their own way.
Yoga also, is not just about the asana (the pose) which may be the understanding of many people, it also emcompasses 7 other parts which in Yogic terms we call 'the eight limbs of yoga'. I now try to live by these ways as much as possible, whilst being compassionate with myself that I cannot always, as our modern lives are very different to ancient ways of living. It's really important to acknowledge this fact and be kind to yourself whilst trying to incorporate yoga into your life. The first two limbs of yoga are the ways in which we treat ourselves, others and everything on this planet, they are the Yamas and Niyamas. The third limb is the asana, the poses that we use so that we can move our bodies which is really important for our mental and physical wellbeing. It also helps us to be disciplined and to concentrate. The fourth limb is Pranayama our breath, our life force. We learn to control it and connect it to our mind and our emotions. The fifth limb is Pratyahara which is all about withdrawing our senses for just a little while when we are on our mat. Just being with our breath. Detaching from everything outside of us and withdrawing internally which in turn allows us to observe ourselves. The sixth limb is Dharana where we now concentrate on one object, be it breath; sound; a mantra etc, we start to focus in and allow our thoughts to pass by. The seventh limb is Dhyana where we no longer need a focus and can be with ourself without too many thoughts entering our mind. The eighth limb is Samadhi where we experience complete bliss and contentment. So as you can see, Yoga has many parts that we can practice on and off our mats.
My dream is to make this ancient practice accessible to all who want to try it. Whether the block is financial, mentally, physical, emotionally whatever it is. I want others to experience how yoga has made me feel and reap the benefits as I have. I will be teaching at Soul Sanctuary studios shortly, I am doing 1-1 sessions at the moment and I will be going online and doing live and pre-recorded sessions in due course. Hopefully there will be something for everyone to access.
I hope to see you soon on your mat,
Ananda, Bliss and Joy to you all xxx
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