Yoga is a combination of poses and balanced physical movement, breath and meditation techniques, and spiritual and ethical concepts that, when practiced on a daily basis and eventually embodied in all our affairs, can guide us into living in alignment with health, harmony, and the natural flow of conscious evolution.
We live in a world focussed primarily on image, consuming, the superficial, and convenience. The technological advancement in the last couple centuries is amazing and has provided a type of instantaneous connection around the globe that earth has never seen before. But as a result of the excitement and instant gratification derived from external capabilities we now have, we have become imbalanced and lost much of the connection our ancestors once had to each other, to mother earth and within. These days, there is so much value placed on science, thought, the mind and our divine masculine traits that many of us have forgotten what is possible when we embrace our emotions, intuition, the wisdom of our hearts and all that comes with the power of the divine feminine. Yoga is not only the union of body, mind and soul but also the union of polarities. Masculine and feminine, yin and yang, the manifested and the un-manifested (prakriti and purusha)... I think it is only natural for the pendulum to swing back and forth, favoring one side and then the other throughout evolution of life on earth. But as we grow, the goal is to move ever towards balance, like the fibonacci spiral- getting closer and closer to source, to perfection, and to embodying divine infinite consciousness. I love yoga because this is what its all about- meeting and accepting ourselves (and the universe) where we’re at and putting in the time, attention and effort- to allow for growth to happen. This is what I believe our purpose is here on earth (at least mine is)- to develop inner connection, to transcend personal karma, to let source flow through us and to do our part in serving the whole. When I have a strong personal practice and surround myself with others who have the same (whether it be yoga, meditation or some personal concoction of awareness building techniques), it takes exponentially less effort for me to stay grounded, strong, excited, inspired and connected to this purpose, rather than getting fooled, caught up in and dragged down by ego and my addictive mind.
Find people that support your growth. And if you are ready, commit to a 40 or 90 day sadhana (personal practice). Start small! Dedicate a reasonable amount of time per day, that you think you can/will stick to, and see what happens. Let’s see what we’re truly capable of… I think, for most of us, it’s WAY MORE than we currently believe.