Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. The Bhagavad Gita
During your yoga journey you may experience a deepening discovery and understanding of yourself.
In yogic philosophy there are two 'selves' within us. These are the 'self' and 'Self', known as our lower 'self 'and higher 'Self'.
Our lower 'self' is that within us which is temporary. Consisting of such things as our physical body, senses, and ego, along with the fluctuation of our opinions, and thoughts.
For example, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras what we look like and what we project to the outside world, including our human instinct to be relevant and noticed as validation of our existence, (where it is all about 'us' - egocentric) is known as living our life in our ego, (Asmita).
In the yogic texts this is known as the small 'self'. Our misguided perception of 'self' (lower self) creates Maya, a veil of illusion, this can distance us from our true 'Self' (known as our higher Self).
A yoga practice nurtures our awareness so we may discern between the two, ultimately liberating us from the suffering that living in our ego (lower self) can bring.
Living in our ego life can be full of fear, comparison, competitiveness, disconnection and hopelessness.
It can close our minds, causing us to be ignorant to our inner true Self. We can experience resistance, clinging for example, to 'good times or a person', we may become judgmental, or question 'why' things happen to us.
Ultimately, the ego (Asmita) is fearful of us not actually existing at all(death). Of course this can bring great suffering within, this fear can be so intense that it prohibits us from living an enriched and joyful life.
Our higher 'Self ' (with a capital letter), is our unchanging and essential core that is in each of us, it is free of egotism. If we can connect to our higher Self we live with an awareness that we are part of something unchanging that is much bigger than us. We understand that we are an individual, yet not separate. We can find freedom from attachment, to the past, and the future. Indeed, within the Sutras, Patanjali encourages us to practice living without attachment or judgement.
Yoga techniques unite ( yoga derived from 'yuj' meaning to 'join'.) our mind, body and soul, teaching us to be more present. The physical practice (asana or postures) have always been historically to prepare the mind and body for meditation, a quietening of our thoughts where we can just 'be'.
In this state we can experience Moksha, an awakening and freedom in our life. We can quieten the ego and move closer to Samadhi (enlightenment or bliss)
This is not easy! This is why it is called our practice. Try to stay open hearted and curious about what you feel and experience on your mat. Most of all enjoy your unique journey and allow yoga to gift you with what you need.
There is no right or wrong to what you experience in your practice and of course you do not have to be searching for a deeper understanding of who you are. Yoga can nourish us in many different ways. Enjoy how it makes you feel, it is different for each of us.
This is the beauty of Yoga.
Be kind and go with the flow.
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