Work-in
Photo credit: kike vega
“Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.” ~ Rolf Gates, author & yoga instructor
This October I’ve been writing about mindfulness practices. Last week I illustrated how gratitude can shift from a feeling in the moment to a way of perceiving when you make it a daily ritual. Today I’m sharing my experience and knowledge with yoga. Like gratitude and journaling, yoga can shift from a series of postures to a spiritual practice when you make it a part of your regular routine. Rooted in ancient wisdom, it has the power to open hearts and expand awareness.
Julia Crouch Hewitt, a dear friend and yoga instructor at Do Yoga With Me, wrote an informative article on the origins of yoga that explains the art of working in. Yoga dates back to over five thousand years ago in India with the Hindu Rig Veda texts. Later, there were the Baghavad Vita scriptures, followed by Sanskrit sutras. Today, there are multiple modern interpretations, many of which appeal solely to the desire to become stronger and more flexible, but some stay true to the first teachings that also encompass breathwork, meditation and ritual.
Some postures in yoga are designed to create heart openings, such as cobra and sphynx. Combined with the meditational practices of breathwork and focusing on going inward, the practice is even more powerful. When my heart is heavy, when I’m processing difficult emotions, I choose yoga asanas that are designed to open your heart to healing. Some of my favourite online classes are on Yoga with Kassandra. I’ve clicked on her one-hour chakra affirmation yin class more than once, and the benefits for me were significant.
Focused awareness is synonymous with mindfulness. It is a work-in practice that takes you on an inward journey, and that is where we discover the inner truths, of remembering what we once knew. Some people refer to this type of knowledge as intuition or instinct because we don’t find it in books or in the advice of others. Often called a gut feeling, I believe it is rooted in our hearts more than our stomachs, but everyone has a unique experience that aligns with who they are.
It’s my belief that our truest self is best discovered through a work-in approach, but when you’re new to any practice it can be helpful to read books and take classes with people who have expertise and experience. If you’re interested to know more about the origins of yoga, James Mallinson and Mark Singleton have compiled research on the subject. There are yoga studios in most communities, each with a unique focus, and a quick online search will reveal a plethora of options for you to explore. In Winnipeg, I’ve enjoyed classes at The Yoga Centre, which offers a variety of styles including Kripalu, Kauit, Yin, and Flow.
My first exposure to yoga in 2008 was through a good friend and yogi who mainly taught the Vinyasa style of yoga. In the years since, I have tried Hatha, Hot Bikram, Restorative, Yin, and Kundalini. There are other forms too, including Ashtanga and Iyengar. At this stage of my life journey, I have such a vast collection of experiences and wisdom, I no longer rely on an instructor to lead my practice, and in fact I prefer my own personal rituals. I appreciate the freedom to respond to where my body is in each moment, and more importantly, the opportunity to engage in a deeply personal inner experience without distractions or outer influences.
Yoga as a work-in practice takes you on an inward journey of mindful awareness. When yoga is rooted in ritual, it becomes a strong foundation for your consciousness as a human being to expand. The more you practice with focused awareness, the greater possibility for your heart to open. Choosing a mindfulness practice could be the first step on your journey to be the change you want to see in the world. If journaling, gratitude, and yoga haven’t struck a chord, watch for blogs coming up in the next two weeks about meditation and sensory experiences in nature.
COMING UP…
Books & Projects:
· All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.
· I am still determined, pursuing representation from a traditional publisher for my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.
Reviews & Interviews:
· You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.
Events:
· There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.
YouTube Channel:
· Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.
· Watch The Holding trailer.
· Watch The Healing trailer.