Power in Practice
A Discovery of Self
The Practice of Yoga brings people together in a safe, sacred exploration of form—forms of the mind, body, and breath. The various techniques of Yoga: āsana (postural Yoga), prāṇāyāmaḥ (breath regulation), dhyānaṁ (meditation), and bhakti (devotion), bring a purification process into an individual physiologically, psychologically, and physically. Through exploration in these layers of form, one begins a journey inward, a discovery of Self, and what Yoga IS within.
Some teachers say Yoga is to yoke, from the Sanskrit root Yuj, a coming together of separate parts. I know I have experienced a merging of breath, movement, and focus on my mat like there was no separation. From the perspective of Patañjali of the Yoga Sutras, Yoga is a discovering of Purusha, the pure consciousness or inner light. Everyone has a Purusha that is separate from each other. To discover Purusha, one must understand that it is separate from Prakriti, nature, and matter. From that perspective, it is less about uniting and more about separating.
The Science of Yoga and the Art of Intention
Yoga is unique because it follows a systematic science that uses techniques, philosophy, and tradition, eliciting an exclusive experience per individual. As a result, it is intimate and personal, and at the same time, Yoga builds resources and agency in the community.
There is no need to have a goal in Yoga, but many humans are goal-oriented. Therefore, coming to your mat with intentions can add a heightened focus. The difference between a goal and an intention is that a goal is a desire, which directs awareness.
It is helpful to release any attachment to achieving goals on the mat. Patañjali states in Y.S 1.12 Abhyāsa Vairāgyābhyāṃ Tannirodhaḥ that in practice (abhyāsa) detachment (vairagya) is essential. What does it mean to detach? How do we do that? It is a letting go of and into. Letting go of expectations and the result of your actions, and letting what is happening at the moment be.
Accessing the State of Yoga
Patañjali states that if you do these two things, you will access the state of Yoga which is Nirodhaḥ (stilling or seizing). This seizing refers to the fluctuations (vritti) of the Chitta (mind). Seize is another word for control; through the practice of Yoga, one will be able to control the thoughts and find space. Swami Satchidananda says that the natural state of mind is “peaceful and balanced,” however, because of the chaos and demands of the eternal world, we forget how to access those states. The stillness of the thoughts translates to the whole body creating a somatic relaxation response, which is necessary for overall wholeness and well-being.
Living Your Unique Yoga
It is a privilege to follow the tradition of Yoga and comprehend the teachings of the masters that walked the path before. However, it is equally important to know your why and what. Why you practice, what it brings you, and recognizing that Yoga is alive. It moves through you; it is new in every moment. So when you show up on your mat, give all of you and your focus, and detach from expectations, Yoga brings Power. You don’t have to do anything but show up, be truthful, vulnerable and allow the Yoga to move through you because it does; it will.
