For students who are new to the practice of yoga, and choosing it as another fitness option, one of the first things that becomes readily apparent in class is a dramatically different focus, on the holistic. Here, everything is unique and yet explicable only by reference to the whole. We consider and speak of the toe joints and the rest of the physical body, the mind, emotions, energy, and spiritual connection as intricately connected, as one. This is not theoretical or philosophical: in the fullness of the practice of yoga, it is tangible and real.
This is in contrast to many of our unquestioned assumptions about ourselves and the world. Think about medicine for a moment, the way we casually take a pill to treat a pain in our finger, as though that finger were its own entirely separate entity, without consideration for the effect on the stomach that must break it down, the bloodstream that must absorb and transport it, or the millions of other cells elaborately affected.
Speaking personally now, this new awareness - much like pulling back a gauzy curtain - has had huge implications as I’ve worked to foster the habit of perceiving with two sets of eyes: the eyes of my humanness and the eyes of myself as more than just flesh, blood, bones and brain. Two realities, both equally valid. Practically, this means that in many cases where I’m dealing with difficulty and challenges, I try to both honor my humanity - feelings of frustration, sadness, anger, or pain - AND to also see through the larger lens the opportunity for growth and for learning lessons of tolerance, patience, strength, perseverance… and many others that I am certainly not through learning quite yet.
I am learning to see through those same two sets of eyes when I look at others: to be okay with and curious about the upset that arises in me from other's intrusions and missteps and quirks... and in that very same moment, appreciative of the inherent value, beauty and individuality of another's spirit. Recently, a student approached me after class to thank me, with the bleary eyes of introspection, for a practice that "really took him deep", and in that moment, I realized exactly why I've chosen to teach yoga. It is to experience that sense of connection with another human being, that knowing that their experience is everyone's experience is my experience: when I take to my mat, or enter meditation, or simply allow the present moment to be perfectly imperfect and just as it is.
It is my hope that you will use your yoga practice to begin to cultivate "double vision" so as to see yourself and the world around you from both your humanity and your spirit. Then, when next we meet, we can look into each other's eyes with new understanding, deep connection and the most authentic use of the beautiful Sanskrit word, "namaste": "the Light in me sees, and honors, that same Light in you."
Namaste 💙
This is in contrast to many of our unquestioned assumptions about ourselves and the world. Think about medicine for a moment, the way we casually take a pill to treat a pain in our finger, as though that finger were its own entirely separate entity, without consideration for the effect on the stomach that must break it down, the bloodstream that must absorb and transport it, or the millions of other cells elaborately affected.
Speaking personally now, this new awareness - much like pulling back a gauzy curtain - has had huge implications as I’ve worked to foster the habit of perceiving with two sets of eyes: the eyes of my humanness and the eyes of myself as more than just flesh, blood, bones and brain. Two realities, both equally valid. Practically, this means that in many cases where I’m dealing with difficulty and challenges, I try to both honor my humanity - feelings of frustration, sadness, anger, or pain - AND to also see through the larger lens the opportunity for growth and for learning lessons of tolerance, patience, strength, perseverance… and many others that I am certainly not through learning quite yet.
I am learning to see through those same two sets of eyes when I look at others: to be okay with and curious about the upset that arises in me from other's intrusions and missteps and quirks... and in that very same moment, appreciative of the inherent value, beauty and individuality of another's spirit. Recently, a student approached me after class to thank me, with the bleary eyes of introspection, for a practice that "really took him deep", and in that moment, I realized exactly why I've chosen to teach yoga. It is to experience that sense of connection with another human being, that knowing that their experience is everyone's experience is my experience: when I take to my mat, or enter meditation, or simply allow the present moment to be perfectly imperfect and just as it is.
It is my hope that you will use your yoga practice to begin to cultivate "double vision" so as to see yourself and the world around you from both your humanity and your spirit. Then, when next we meet, we can look into each other's eyes with new understanding, deep connection and the most authentic use of the beautiful Sanskrit word, "namaste": "the Light in me sees, and honors, that same Light in you."
Namaste 💙