A time for me. A great workout. Not really a workout. The ‘in’ thing to do. All of these statements and more have been attributed to yoga. What is your definition of yoga? I will acknowledge there are many, many different types of yoga—that’s one of the great things about yoga. Patanjali’s sutras weave together a comprehensive, if terse, understanding of what constitutes yoga.  The way I interpret those sutras:  Yoga is the union of mind, body and spirit; of returning to your ‘wholeness’ or your true Self.

What do you think of these two images?

Of course we don’t know what’s going on in their minds, but it’s completely possible the woman sitting in sukhasana is further along in her yoga journey than the woman in Mermaid Pose (eka pada rajakapotasana). Cirque de Soleil wannabees or ex-gymnasts can do amazing things with their bodies, but if there isn’t a mental/emotional/spiritual component to it I don’t think it can accurately be termed yoga.

Faux yoga…that’s what I’m calling it and sometimes, it's time for an ego check!

Ego is one reason there're false identities of self.  Yoga practice helps to us to master our mind and remove these false identities and other obstacles to allow our true Natures to emerge.  There's no competition in yoga; allow yourself infinite time and approach your yoga mat with no ambition.

Tracey Von Ott's quote sums up the interconnectedness of your mind, body and spirit:
"Let your heart and mind be OPEN and your soul be PRESENT; for your MIND may not know what your HEART and SOUL are missing."

Health, Wellness & CURES!!
Karen