YOGA
am here to grow into full
awareness of my true
nature, which is peace,
creativity and happiness.
~ Yogani
As I practiced yoga in
various forms, including
asana, pranayama, and
meditation, I began to
become more aware of
my true state. As I connected more with my
body, I felt sensations
that I’d never before experienced. I could move
through the world with
more ease and grace. I
felt lighter, a mind-bodyspirit connection. I felt a
wholeness that until then
had been unusual, but
indicative that I was on
the right path. I began to
realize that I was creating a different reality for
myself, one based on acceptance and love, and
one that felt right for me.
I found a way to constantly remind myself
that we are, for the most
part, living in a world of
delusion, distracted by so
much that actually does
not matter. So we need
to pay close attention
to what does, with gratitude, on a daily basis.
One of the most effective
techniques I have applied to my yoga practice and my life is the art
of mindfulness. Allowing
myself to simply slow
down and be present has
given me the ability to
observe myself and the
world around and within
me with less judgement
and expectation. So this
has made me happier.
The only way to ease our
fear and be truly happy is
to acknowledge our fear
and look deeply at its
source. Instead of trying
to escape from our fear,
we can invite it up to our
awareness and look at it
clearly and deeply.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
When I live in awareness,
I also live in acceptance
and am willing to face
my fears. Therefore, I am
kinder and more forgiving
to myself and others. I am
whole and full. Though
I am not perfect, I am
perfection because I am
lacking nothing, I regard
myself lovingly, and I accept exactly who I am.
All the while, I am open
to productive change
and transformation.
Yoga has taught me
to how to choose and
seek peace and love. It
has taught me to be a
more giving person. It has
taught me to live consciously and be aware
of how my actions affect
myself and others.
I am not going to suggest
that I have it all figured
out. I have just reached
a point in my life where I
am living with eyes and
heart wide open. I am
aware of my privilege,
my blessings, and my
power. I am living with
less resistance and more
acceptance, less walls
and more connections. I
am less fearful, and more
trusting.
I am committed to living
this way, and I invite you
to do the same.
Crystal Ellisis a yoga teacher, thai massage practitioner, holistic nutritionist,
Lisa Tai is an early 30s Yoga gal with a passion for community and
continuous learning. She can always be found with her and lover of life. in a
holistic esthetician, writer/poet, performance poet, head in a book,
silly yoga pose, or sharing her musings over on her blog or Twitter. With a fiery
personality she constantly strives to motivate others to see their greatness,
while always making sure to laugh at herself. Follow along on her journey at
yogicrystal.wordpress.com or on Twitter at @YogiCrystal.