“Patanjali, declares that the true secret of evolution is the manifestation of the perfection which is already in every being; that this perfection has been barred and the infinite tide behind is struggling to express itself. These struggles and competitions are but the result of our ignorance, because we do not know the proper way to unlock the gate and let the water in. This infinite tide behind must express itself; it is the cause of all manifestations.”
- Swami Vivekananda
A regular yoga practice creates pathways for your thoughts and feelings to be expressed as energy, a nurturing that opens a journey to the deeper, fundamental elements of our authentic Self.
The ancient physical practice of asana and meditation can attune you to aspects of your being that society or conditioning may have suppressed, and although this sounds scary, and it can be emotional, personally, I continue to find it empowering, liberating and transformative.
Such an awakening can heighten our awareness to our breath and body, evoking sensations and feelings that are at the very core of who we are. Our regular asana practice can bring us into the present, to where our body is in space and time, intuition and instinct is nourished along the way enabling us to embrace confidence and let go of our learned self-consciousness. Then we may move freely, without judgement, an opportunity to reconnect to our inner child, when we moved purely for joy, nurturing our capabilities and our true self-expression. Releasing energies with feeling and an innocent fearlessness.
Through meditation we can still the fluctuations of the mind, as we quieten our inner world true emotions may surface which as adults we are encouraged to hide. The rationality and seriousness we are taught to abide by, can sadly dampen our wanderlust for life and complicate our ability to process the stress and tensions we face daily, year upon year. This lack of self-expression can repress important and frankly beautiful aspects of who we uniquely are.
An intentional meditation practice can delicately bring down the fortress we build around ourselves, so we may acknowledge, accept, and process our truth organically in a non-judgemental way. This can be through our thoughts, talking, or beautifully releasing that energy and emotion through our asana and pranayama (breathwork) practice.
The gift of expressing ourselves authentically is everything, it is our connection, interactions, and the very essence of us that we share with the world and is essential for our psychological wellbeing.
Yoga is the strength and gentleness that helped me recently as a voice condition left me without any vocality for three months. I am grateful I could whisper, and I am in no way complaining as it was not painful for me, but, of course, our vocality is indeed an instrument of volume, tone, and musicality, being able to laugh and cry freely, shout in joy or anger, sing and simply converse with others all contribute to our expression, our personality and is a huge part of our self-identity.
Yoga enabled me to feel expressive within myself during this time. During a time, I could be feeling frustration, anger, and self-pity, I found that asana practice created space and a priceless freedom in my body, enabling my mind to find perspective, gratitude, humility, and patience. An ability to adapt, with humour and kindness is everything, and I’m forever grateful for true gift of yoga teaching, nurturing, and nourishing my life both on and off the mat.
I have recently had surgery and my vocality is restored, I’ve written to my surgeon, telling him of the immense joy and appreciation I have for effortless conversation, simple greetings, being able to teach, talk on the phone and laugh loudly is just immense. Our vocality is a true gift of expression.
As are all the aspects of your body, mind, and breath. Yoga can help you to connect to yourself with kindness and to express yourself with observance and beauty. Yoga can bring you home to yourself.
Be kind and go with the flow.
Jo x.
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