What Yoga Is
by Maggie Anderson
Yoga is not just my passion, but my life. It's a big part of my calling. Yoga is hard to explain in one word and yet so simple. Most people who know me know that I live yoga as much as I can! I teach yoga four times a week and practice even more than that (not just the physical asana practice but all forms – 8 limbs – of yoga). And even right now I have been guided to begin creating my very own 200-hr. Vinyasa Yoga Flow Teacher Training – my area of expertise.
I started practicing yoga when I began my weight loss journey over 9 years ago. The more I practiced the more yoga I desired. I couldn't and still can't get enough.
Yoga is Namaste. Yoga is sublime.
Through my dedicated yoga practice, I am able to handle life with more grace, flow and ease. Through yoga we can heal ourselves physically, but also just as important mentally, emotionally and spiritual. As I practice yoga I get deeper into my true self; ripping away the layers that no longer serve me – obtaining a deeper connection to Source/God.
Yoga's natural side effects are alleviating stress and anxiety while providing unlimited physical benefits to the body including shedding those unwanted pounds. Yoga's goal is to assist you in aligning with the true essence that you are. Along the way you will notice more peace and a calm that comes from within in any situation. You realize you are living yoga every moment of your life.
For many who begin yoga, it starts as a physical attraction to become more limber and feel more calm. The other "side effects" of yoga may slowly creep in on a person and before you know it they are not just obtaining their initial reason for practicing but they are BEING more connected; FEELING more free, kind, loving and loved. Life becomes more manageable. It can come at you in subtle ways or it might take ahold of you the very first time you practice. Yoga to me is magical and so very natural.
Yoga is connection.
Connection to the Earth and the Self, as well as the divine connection to the cosmic consciousness. Yoga Asana is the physical practice of yoga; the movement portion of yoga that many of us are well aware of. Asana yoga is the doorway into a deeper connection. Through the practice of all forms of yoga it is possible to awaken your Kundalini and eventually achieve enlightenment. (If you aren't aware of Kundalini, which is our divine essence, you can learn more by reading this artcle and by purchasing my book Divine Embrace.)
As we flow through life accumulating toxins, Yoga provides the detox our bodies need. Yoga removes these from our bodies naturally. Yoga also removes the toxicity of the mind. Our mind thoughts, if left unchecked, can become a disease. Stress, anxiety, depression and a general sense of unease rests within us as we allow our mind thoughts to take hold of our very existence. Yoga brings space and freedom back where there seemed to be no room for before.
As I said, many people begin yoga to assist them with physical issues but then as they practice, there is an opening – an awakening. Amazing. This is not just exercise. You will see if you choose to practice. Doing yoga provides freedom. Space is created in yoga to BE. Magic occurs as you focus, breathe consciously, gaze deeply, go inward, create space and ultimate freedom.
All stress comes from a disconnection from Self; from Source. You may start out doing the physical practice of yoga and even meditation for your health, to relieve stress or shed a few pounds, but it's ultimately a disconnected feeling that draws you to yoga even subconsciously – to reconnect once again to your Soul; your Source and/or God.
Life can feel like such a rollercoaster and practicing yoga can bring you down from always feeling like you are in that whirlwind! Life becomes balanced and manageable. Karendayal Bliss Life Yoga has a saying I love: