Hey there yall!!!
I am not sure where on Earth the Month of July has/had to go, but man… it can slow itself all the way down! Maybe take a moment and stop and do some Yoga!
See what I did there? Lol
Yesterday, I had the privilege to guide a Meditation and Yoga class at the local Metro park in Dayton Ohio, and I was asked a question that I’ve been asked so many times before.
“what’s the goal or purpose of Yoga… like what do we get out of it?”
The Yoga instructor in me use to reply with the “well you get improved flexibility and strength, reduced stress, better focus, and a greater sense of calm and overall well-being from yoga.”
Which…. this is true, this is a great answer…. but after enjoying yoga for soooo long, there is so much more that we “get” out of yoga.
Today, I wanted to share some of my personal “gets”, that I’ve received from Yoga as an instructor as well as a person who just loves doing yoga!
As always thank you so much for taking the time to read, email and support this dream of mine. I hope that you enjoy
Love and Hugs
B🐝
When I first embarked on my yoga journey, I approached it primarily as a means to achieve physical fitness. The allure of flexibility and strength pulled me into the world of asanas, each pose a challenge that ignited my competitive spirit. However, as I jumped deeper, it became abundantly clear that yoga is not just about the postures we strike on the mat. It is a holistic practice rooted in ancient philosophy, a way of life designed to foster balance and harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.
The ultimate goals of yoga can be categorized into several layers—each unveiling a deeper understanding of ourselves. At its core, yoga offers us the promise of self-realization, helping us to peel back the layers of our identity and connect with our true essence. This journey inward can be both empowering and daunting, but it is within this exploration that we uncover our greatest potential.
1. Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence
One of the first realizations I had on my path was the importance of mindfulness.
It’s all too easy to become overwhelmed by distractions.
Yoga teaches us to pause, to breathe, and to return to the present moment. Each time I step onto my mat, I am reminded to cultivate awareness—not just of my body but of my thoughts, emotions, and the subtle energies that flow within.
Through practices like pranayama (breath control) and meditation, I’ve discovered the exquisite beauty of presence.
These techniques enable me to connect with the here and now, liberating me from the shackles of anxiety about the future and regrets about the past. Mindfulness allows us to experience life in its fullness, learning to appreciate even the smallest moments whether it’s the flutter of a petal in the breeze or the warmth of a loved one’s smile.
2. Nurturing Compassion and Connection
As I immersed myself more deeply in the principles of yoga, I began to realize an essential truth: we are all interconnected. The philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, extends beyond our interactions with others; it invites us to cultivate compassion for ourselves as well.
Often, we are our own harshest critics, and yoga encourages us to soften that inner voice.
By fostering self-compassion, I found it easier to extend kindness and empathy toward others. Now, anyone who knows me personally probably got a flash back of the girl, child and young woman I was prior to my practice and hopefully smiled… while shaking their heads in a yes motion knowing exactly what I am talking about. 🙂
The practice implores us to recognize the struggles we all share as human beings, igniting within us a desire to support and uplift one another. Whether through group classes, community service, or simply offering a helping hand, yoga embodies the spirit of connection. It reminds us that when we heal ourselves, we contribute to the healing of the world and others.
3. Achieving Balance and Harmony
Life, in its essence, is a dance of opposites, light and dark, joy and sorrow, stillness and movement. Yoga teaches us the importance of balance, both physically and emotionally. On the mat, we learn to align our bodies, harmonizing strength with flexibility, tension with relaxation. This physical equilibrium mirrors the emotional and spiritual balance we seek in our lives.
Through yoga, I have come to appreciate the importance of maintaining equilibrium amidst the chaos, and trust me when I say… I have tons of welcomed and non welcomed chaos in my life. It’s so easy to become consumed by work, relationships, or our ambitions. Yet, the practice urges us to find that sweet spot—where we can thrive without overextending ourselves. By seeking harmony, we cultivate resilience, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and poise.
4. Pursuing Self-Realization and Liberation
Ultimately, the deepest goal of yoga is self-realization. This concept can be daunting… terrifying at times , we often grapple with the question of who we truly are beneath the layers of societal expectations, fears, and desires. As I practiced, I began to understand that self-realization is not a destination but a continuous journey.
Through meditative practices and deep self-inquiry, I have tapped into the stillness within, where my true self resides—beyond labels and limitations. It is here that I find liberation from the false narratives that once governed my life. Embracing authenticity, I’ve learned that it’s okay to shed masks and to embrace vulnerability. In doing so, we align with our higher selves and live authentically, inviting greater joy and fulfillment into our lives. This… is Freedom, my personal ultimate goal.
The ultimate goals of yoga are vast and deeply enriching.
While we may enter this practice seeking physical transformation, we emerge with so much more—a sense of peace, connectedness, and a profound understanding of ourselves. I invite you to join me in embracing this journey of exploration, to dig deeper into your practice and discover the richness that lies within.
As we progress on this path together, let us remain open-hearted and dedicated to sharing our experiences. Remember, yoga is not about perfection—it’s about progress, acceptance, and love. Thank you for being part of this community. Let’s continue to inspire and uplift one another as we seek the ultimate goals of yoga.
Namaste.