 | "to be a gentle mover in a swiftly spinning world. To be present. To extract the poetry. To only entertain the real. To Listen. To seek the genuine. To stand inside of the stretch, the momentum, the tall discomfort of change, the knowing that you don't need to rush the practice or ever fake a force a thing. To believe in the rhythm and movement. To trust in the river, the song, the stillness, the storm and the seed. This is my religion." v.erickson "The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil the layers of protections you've built about your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates. To make peace with who you are. The goal is to love, well.... You. Come to your yoga mat to feel; not to accomplish. Shift your focus and your heart will grow. ~r.brathen |
Nearly two decades of yoga practice have shown me the profound wisdom captured in these quotes, which extend beyond yoga to the art of creation. There's a strong connection - both are methods of communication, of listening, of self-acknowledgment. In our modern yoga culture, authenticity and the spirit of the practice matter more than poses or appearances, and we should be wary of elements that negatively influence students. If any teacher speaks towards an environmental of pressure to achieve, or shows dismissal of concerns, then they do not value the student. We cannot be fooled by "group think" or status. It would be easy to fall for the same in creating, to whatever the trends display. But as in a more healthy yoga practice we go beyond metrics, avoiding the allure of a fan club and always nurturing a unique inner journey. Both of these endeavors should emphasize the importance of presence and authenticity, remembering the the value of connection to who we are and where we can find our focus, our Drishti.
