YOGA: to join together as in the yoke that joins two ox together to pull a wagon; union; the joining of the physical and spiritual aspects of our being.
It is not language or thought that defines any of us, it is the clear focused intent with which we direct the flow of energy from Source. Source energy, the golden white light that is the foundation of all that we are, flows not from our minds, but from our being, defined by some as our light body or Merkabah. There is an unlimited supply of this energy to be used for the highest good of all. Yoga is the practice of recognizing that we all flow from that same Source energy.
To feel and recognize the presence of this energy within our own bodies requires that we move our awareness away from our mind and into our inner self. It is there, within the inner self, that we find the river of life, the flow of Source energy from which everything around us is manifest. Quantum physicists now agree with the ultimate truth of this statement; matter does not exist, only energy that reacts and flows with consciousness.
Throughout history, many have attempted to live as “enlightened” beings by immersing themselves in this energy to the exclusion of all else. In so doing, they miss the mark and remove themselves from the very lesson they came to this earth plane to learn. To immerse oneself completely in the energy of Source to the exclusion of all else is to retreat from the physical manifestation of this existence and the opportunity to love, learn and create within this world.
We are all here, on this Earth at this moment, to figure out how to consciously love, learn and create with purpose and intent for the greatest good of all. To learn this lesson means by definition that we must remain present within the physical world. That, fellow yogis, is the meaning of yoga – the conscious union of the spiritual and physical elements that make us who we are.
Attainment of a purely spiritual existence is the attainment of a deep meditative state that brings great joy and wisdom. This is a good thing, but once the meditation ends, the connection is lost. The goal of enlightenment is to maintain a semi-meditative state while conscious and active within the physical world. For those of us that have tried, it is easier said than done. How easy it is to leave the meditation and become angry, afraid, frustrated or saddened by the simplest acts of a stranger, a friend, a family member or a lover. However, these are not failures, but necessary dramas to teach and remind us of who we truly are.
How does one do this? How can you attain a flowing spiritual connection and remain physically present? It is not hard, but it takes practice, sometimes lots of practice, and a focused intent. Enter YOGA!
Once on the mat, all of the poses, the breathing, the focus, and the meditation help us to practice achieving this semi-meditative state in a controlled environment. Focusing on the flow of energy, on your inner self while your thighs are shaking and burning in a 10 breathe warrior is easy, right? As hard as it may seem, you know that it can’t hurt you, not really. You may have sore muscles, you may fall over, but you know that you are safe and there is nothing to fear. Integrate these lessons and technics from the mat into your daily life and you are living yoga.
Know that there is nothing to fear. Life is experiences and you can only fall into the hands of Source. Nothing can hurt or change who you truly are. You are nothing short of divine Source energy. You are a child of Source. Source is not complete without you. Learn to achieve this semi-meditative state on the mat and then take it with you into the world. Joy and abundance is yours for the asking.
Namaste,
Blair
Blair is the co-owner of Yoga Daily in Mt. Pleasant, SC. He is a certified yoga instructor, recovering lawyer and a spiritual student. The content of this blog is what Blair considers to be universal truths that span all dogma and religion and it is offered to you in Love and Light. Yoga is but one path to the knowing that we are all one. Please take what resonates with you and leave the rest without judgement or offense.