At one time, or another, we all think, "Why am I here?"
Sometimes we think, "Why do I even bother?" Thinking about
giving up is a temptation for all of humankind, but we continue
to pursue our goals just like our ancestors did.
My wife, Marie, puts it bluntly, "You have two choices, push
forward or give up." Sometimes, it is a joy to sit in the back
of her Yoga classes, so I can listen to a candid approach to
life and teaching Yoga.
Look at how far we have come as a species in regards to Yoga,
art, holistic health, medicine, technology, and much more. It is
easy to look at the downside of humanity, but a lot of our
ancestors did not give up. In fact, they recorded past failures
and achievements from which we could learn.
As a Yoga practitioner, or Yoga teacher, you have the ability to
learn a complete health maintenance system, "loaded with
archives." The archives of Yoga are so plentiful that none of us
will be able to study, digest, and practice it all in one
lifetime. We know that knowledge is power, and Yoga will improve
our lives exponentially.
In getting back to making excuses: Everyone makes them now and
then. Some Yoga practitioners have stated they are too old, too
stiff, and too weak to continue practicing with intensity. Most
Yoga students, interns, and Yoga teachers, will admit to being
distracted by life. Sometimes, this is a good thing because your
body, or mind, needs a rest, and a little change is harmless.
However, this is not an endorsement to avoid the benefits of
steady Yoga practice. Also, this is not an endorsement to become
a "couch potato." Having worked with Yoga students who have a
variety of physical disabilities, Yoga can be practiced on your
couch, on the floor, in your bed, or sitting down.
Granted, some of the vigorous styles of Yoga would have to be
modified, but there is still no reason to abandon Yoga practice
for long. Having seen the improvement of Yoga students in
wheelchairs, and hospital beds, there is no reason why the study
of Yoga should be, "put on the back burner."
There is a saying that, "Seeing is believing." This is true for
most of the world, but the evidence of improved health, from
steady Yoga practice, is obvious. If you want to worry less,
become stronger, become more flexible, or clear your mind, Yoga
does all of these things and much more.
There is no excuse for keeping the gift of Yoga to yourself. If
you have seen Yoga improve your life, you are a "witness", and
you have the ability to help others improve their lives. Almost
every obstacle that life throws in front of us can be overcome,
unless we give up.
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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Yoga And The Breath
Your yoga practice and the way you breathe are intertwined. You
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