I was beginning my second year of college when I signed up for a 6 week yoga program which changed my life completely. Some people become yogis for the physical practice (admittedly that is what drew me into the practice, because really- who doesn't want to be able to get upside down every single day of their life and fly like a bird?), but most people continue their yoga practice for the natural self-progression you make while enduring these (sometimes super difficult) postures. The following is what I have learned along my journey thus far.
- I felt love. I once wrote a poem in which one of the lines read, "whilst bending in and out of love..." and for a long time this was my favorite line I had ever fabricated in my head (I mean who knows- maybe someone else has said these same words hundreds of years before they ever even crossed my mind). I never really understood why these words rang so clearly in my head until one of the last days of the yoga program. I was beginning a vinyasa when I felt it. It, an ocean of warmth flowing through my body from my fingers all the way down to my toes, creating a flow infused with power, a flow infused with love- low and behold, I really was flowing in and out of love and nothing had ever made so much sense.
- I got to know myself. The definition of Yoga is "to yoke", to create a union between body, mind, and soul. The more I practiced, the more in tune with myself I became. I had tapped into the power of myself, through simple flows. The calming emptiness you can experience in yoga, through the meditations and silence, has the potential to lead you perfectly into yourself. There are caverns in your being that you have yet to explore, and for some people, yoga is a good channel to arrive within them.
- I began to accept myself. I'm not sure at what point it happened for me, but somewhere within the postures, the meditations, the books, I began to truly grasp at the concept of real acceptance. Immediately after that, the first thing I began to truly accept-- was myself. It was strange at first to wake up in the morning excited to meet myself, exactly where I was at. I no longer felt guilty if I woke up naturally sad or angry. Suddenly it was okay that I wasn't perfect; I knew I was doing the best I could do, and that actually, really was good enough.
- I began to transform into a woman I could be proud of. As I came across more information, more poses, more good reads, I found myself changing completely- turning into a woman I recognized better than anything I had ever known before. I was happy about my expanding knowledge, and how the new knowledge was effecting the way I viewed life. I was proud of myself for being consistent and diligent with something that seemed to be so good for my soul. I was constantly pushing myself to know more and be better, but there wasn't an uncomfortable pressure about it, it wasn't like pulling teeth-- I enjoyed growing the love I felt within.
- I began to view the world as a more beautiful place. In a world which exudes hate, I found my very own lifeline into love, and because of that, everything appeared brighter. Love covers a multitude, even in an imperfect and hurtful world. I began to understand that there would be tragedies, cruelties, unhappiness, but there would also always be opportunity to make things better, if you simply treat the world and those in the world with kindness.
- My own world, every aspect, sewed itself together. My yoga mat became my sacred place. It became the place I went to in times of gratitude, in times of sorrow, for meditation and prayer, for myself and for others. I began to rotate Mala beads in my hand like little stress balls composed of hope and security. My whole world, which had always seemed like little frayed edges tied together, started to transform into something strong, firm, and glowing. By coming into myself, onto my mat, and open to all experiences, my entire life's composure changed.
- My spiritual journey took flight. I have met Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and atheists alike who practice yoga. There is no discrimination. However, for my own purposes, I have found that yoga really does help facilitate a prayer line to my God. I find Him in those peaceful moments, because He is the only thing which I will allow to break the silence going on in my mind. As I tear my mind out of the world, I find my spirituality clearer and stronger than ever.
Although it is not for everyone, yoga has made a huge impact on my life, and many others that I know. I am not a perfect yogi, I don't practice everyday, nor can I balance on my head for hours at a time, but I have noticed a change in myself and my life since I started a semi-regular practice. It is important to remember that yoga is a lifelong journey, but it will not fail to produce fruit if you let it grow.
In short, I hope you might give it a try. Whether you use it as a tool to heal sore muscles, become more flexible, or completely change your life-- I guarantee you will find nothing but good.
(Note: The six-week yoga program was offered through the Texas State rec at a slight extra charge. There are different types of programs offered each semester. I must also mention here that the yoga community these courses grow are beautiful and if you go to Texas State, are thinking about beginning and/or furthering your yoga practice, and are looking for a niche I strongly recommend looking into it.)
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