Yoga is not just the physical poses that you do in a class. The poses (“asanas”) are just a piece of the yoga practice. Yoga truly is a lifestyle and practicing yoga includes what you eat, how you think, how you treat others. It is a process of self-realization. I learn a lot about myself on the mat, but I’m also learning even more off the mat. And there is soooo much to learn!
I forget where I read it, but I came a cross a quote recently that said yoga certification training is the new grad school. I think whoever said that is on to something. I've been out of undergrad for 10 years now, so getting back into the swing of studying has been a learning curve. I've really had to incorporate this part of the yoga practice into my everyday life. Sometimes, I study my notes on the commute to work. Sometimes, I'm at home on a Friday night studying on my couch. I've had to learn to create time. This is in addition to all the classes I go to during the week. My brain is bubbling over with all kinds of new information these days!
I am learning the history of yoga, the anatomy of the body and how different breathing techniques and poses affect the body, yoga philosophy such as the Yoga Sutras and how to interact with others as a teacher. I’m learning how to ‘practice what I preach’ by developing my own daily yoga practice and meditating. I’m more mindful these days and learning to let go of habits and thoughts that don’t serve me in a positive way. It’s a bit overwhelming at times, but in a good way. I know when I come to the end of this process I’ll be an even better me and that’s the ultimate goal: To be authentically ME, to be my best self.
But sometimes, I do wish someone could do my homework for me :-)
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