How do we connect to spirituality through our yoga practice?

Are we waiting for inspirational words of the teacher at the opening or closing of class? How do we receive them? Do we receive with reverence for our practice, knowing that the practice is fully alive in each moment, in the breath, in the connection to the body? The body is our spiritual vessel.

When we are fully engaged in a spiritual life, connection and wisdom is all around us. We no longer have to compartmentalize experiences as only physical, emotional, or spiritual. Our spiritual practice adds depth, awareness and understanding to our asana practice, knowing that our physical form is a manifestation of our inner world.

Yoga is a practice of call and response. Our teacher calls out a pose and we respond, answering with our physical form. The teacher speaks of grounding, extension and balance, and we strive to identify these things within us, to call upon them in support and guidance through life. In extended side angle we strive to connect to the earth through the feet, through strong legs, while moving beyond our foundation, reaching forward, up and out energetically. The pose so mirrors much of life in the city to me, like a reverse lightening rod, up from the earth; striking, bold and powerful.
What is mountain pose, if not an invitation to find strength, ease and grace through active stillness. Imagine the power of the mountain within each of us off the mat.
There are many layers of learning, awareness and teaching in any class. See if you can connect one layer deeper this week, within the same posture, the same room, the same practice, what lies beneath is the gateway to ourselves. The Dharma, if nothing else, is the full embodiment of truth, the truth that underlies and supports all of life, even that which we don’t always like or fully understand.

Namaste,
Ricki Jean