Yoga changed my life and some think it can save the world. Bringing Yoga to Life by Donna Farhi was the first book I read about yoga. Donna writes, “Regardless if you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the moment you engage in Yoga practice you will discover that the practice is itself the reward. Peace of mind and freedom from fear are as imminent as your focus.” Focus, peace of mind and freedom from fear – Yoga gave those things to me and much more.
I started practicing Yoga in the Summer of 2006 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I wanted to keep my body strong and my mind calm and focused so I could effectively fight this disease. “Through the practice of postures we release pent-up tensions that have accumulated in our body, and we further refine our physical senses so that we become sensitive, adaptive, and resilient.” While I am often in search of less, I wanted to be more sensitive, more adaptive and more resilient. Yoga gave me that too.
Perhaps downward facing dog pose is not going to save the world, but the lessons learned on the mat just might.
Lessons I learned on the mat
You can learn with less: You don’t even need a yoga mat to practice yoga. Most studios offer mats for your use and you can practice at home on the floor.
Your body knows: Trust your body to tell you how far to stretch, how deep to breathe and when to go to sleep!
You are stronger than you think: When you feel tired or weak, get on the mat and your body will offer you more than you thought it would.
Give more than you get: Yoga studios and teachers give so much more in terms of resources, instruction, goodwill and energy than you could could pay for with a class fee. Pay that forward by giving back to the world.
Just breathe: Whether you are going deeper into a pose or stuck in traffic, focusing on your breath will help you loosen your muscles and open your heart. It won’t help you enjoy traffic, but it will put things in perspective.
Do less and be more: Donna Farhi writes, “While the practices of Yoga do indeed involve discipline, willpower, determination, and great effort, the experience of Yoga happens spontaneously.” I notice the more I struggle to master a pose or a concept, the further away I get from the intentionality of practicing yoga. When I let go and give in to being in the moment, the magic happens. (on and off the mat)
Change: If a certain pose is painful or uncomfortable, do it differently or do something else. Be willing to change.
How to get started:
The last chapter of Bringing Yoga to Life delivers more good news. “Does Yoga practice make life easier? Most assuredly, all that is onerous and cumbersome does not go away, yet our once implacable desire for certainty wavers in the face of something better: living in awe, wonder, and delight. Life does not become easier; we become easier with life just as it is, without conclusions, fail-safe securities, or the promise of happily-ever after endings.” Yoga has done so much for so many. You sleep better, move better, act with a kind heart, have achieved inner calm and with your focus and intentions on and off the mat, you really are saving the world.
Courtney, thanks so much for sharing your story and the beautiful role yoga has played in your life. When I first started practicing yoga, I never expected it to change my life the way that it has. I’m always amazed by the way some people are sharing yoga with others to improve their lives. I’ve read several inspiring stories in Yoga Journal about how yoga is being used with military members to treat PTSD, with villages suffering from AIDS in Africa, abused women and children in Cambodia, and prison inmates in Mexico. Its proof that yoga truly is changing the world.
Adrienne, Great point! I think once people start to embrace the lessons of Yoga along with the poses (or even instead of), it’s hard not to start thinking bigger about how much of a difference each individual can make in the world.
Courtney, you’ve summed up yoga so beautifully and reminded me of its power. Thank you.
Katie, Sometimes, when I get out of the habit, I have to remind myself too!
Courtney,
Thanks for including my tweet in your post. I am so grateful for yoga– it is saving me from chronic back pain, and never fails to reenergize my body and mind. Yoga does truly affect the way you think and act both on and off the mat. The mind-body connection is real.
Jay, It’s so true! I think you can carry that awareness into other sports, and real life situations as well.
Great post, Courtney!
I will check out Donna’s book on my Kindle. I recently watched the documentary “Enlighten Up” about yoga and the search for spirituality. I’ve been doing yoga less regularly the past couple years due to a bone spur in my knee, but that documentary, and your post have inspired me to get back into it full time! Thanks for the motivation.
Sheri, I have seen people in Wheelchairs doing yoga, so I know there are levels for every ability and most injuries. I will have to check out “Enlighten Up”. I heard about it before but never watched it. Let me know what changes you make in your practice to support your bone spur.
Hi Courtney–I did yoga when I was younger and tried to go back to it last year. I don’t know if the problem was the teacher or if it was me, but it was brutal. I have a lot of joint inflammation and lack of strength and energy from lupus and hoped a gentle course of yoga would be easier than tai chi, which I really love but leaves me winded. What “version” of yoga should I look for?
Also, any updates on Project 333? I’ve got my wardrobe down to 40 pieces and think I’ll get it down to 33 by Oct. 1st!
Meg! I have a great practice for you. Please Email me your mailing address and I will send you a DVD with three levels.
Project 333 is alive and well and I am excited to get going with it on Oct. 1st. Did you join the FB page? I haven’t posted anything lately but will soon. Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Project-333/154280687916029?ref=ts
Hi Courtney
I’m over here from the article you wrote which was posted on Gwen Bell’s page, and loved this post on yoga. I am keen to take up yoga but find that nearly each time I have attempted the practice I have felt very light-headed and even nearly fainted during one session. What do you recommend for this?
Cheers
Tracy
Hi Tracy, I used to have a similar situation whenever I had my head down and would stand up. I am not a doctor or a yoga teacher so you should consult with both but some of the reasons may be:
You are hungry
Low Blood Pressure – that’s me
There are always ways to modify poses and practices so you aren’t upside down or doing something that makes you feel lightheaded.Find a class and connect with the yoga teacher to see the best way to move forward.
Keep me posted!
Courtney
Thank you for your uplifting perspective. I just wanted to share a recent video that my friends did with the Ashtanga yoga teacher, Richard Freeman, about how to save the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv1dAoZazcU. Enjoy!
I started yoga 4 1/2 years ago at age 48. Have ‘worked out’ all my life, cycling, tennis, walking, jogging, weights, etc. Noticed a need for more flexibility in my 40’s. Iyengar yoga practice has provided flexibility and so much more; an effortless move through and beyond menopause, a sense of peace and focus that I’ve never felt as keenly as I do now. Iyengar in three one hour sessions per week has been the best practice for me. I still cycle and weight lift, but it has taken a back seat to my yoga practice.