WHAT DOES YOGA MEAN TO YOU?

What does Yoga mean to you? How would you answer this question?

When I was first asked this at my Yoga Teacher Training, initially I said, “Yoga helped me balance my strength and functional training workouts, so to me it is a physical practise of moving my body and keeping my body active and healthy. Especially with my IBS symptoms”

This seemed like the logical answer, as Yoga became more prominent in my exercise routine after being diagnosed with Coxa Saltons, about 7 years ago, which caused a snapping pain in my hips. Therefore at the time, Yoga, to me, was a physical practice to help strengthen and improve my mobility.

However, as the years went by Yoga became so much more than just a physical practice, and only in the past year have I realised this.

Yes, Yoga still provides a physical practice for me, I feel good when I move, I feel strong when I practice Asana’s (poses) and I feel healthy from my practice. But my Yoga practice has also provided me with a space for stillness and silence, which I unknowingly needed. It has enabled me to be present, to listen to my body and most importantly listen to my mind.

I used to hate silence, when I arrived home I was instinctively put on the television or radio, just so there was background noise. Now I embrace silence, I feel grounded when I hear nothing other than the world around me. I now understand that there is no such thing as silence, not if you really listen. The world continues around us, there is always a noise to hear. There is nothing better than listening to the birds sing, the leaves blow and the raindrops fall. The sound of nature is soothing, calming and relaxing not just for your mind but also for your body.

Yoga now means so much for to me. When I step onto my Yoga mat I find peace. It is a space for me and only me, there is no judgement, there are no rules, it is a space I can explore my body, express myself through movement, breath and meditate.

So what does Yoga mean to me NOW?

Yoga means peace.

Yoga means strength.

Yoga means non judgement.

Yoga means stillness.

Yoga means balance.

Yoga means happiness.

Yoga means contentment.

Yoga means life.

My recommendation would be to turn off the television, turn off the radio, turn off your mobile.

So .... what does Yoga mean to you?