So many people ask me why yoga? They all want to know how it has changed my life and why they should consider giving this crazy yoga thing a shot. Well, where to start is the bigger question...as yoga has got me where I am today and is going to keep me on the path of where I want to go. I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet as I could write a novel on this subject (maybe one day I will!).
First and foremost, you DO NOT have to be flexible to do yoga! Every conversation I begin to have with people who are interested in yoga come up with this crazy idea that you have to be flexible to even attempt to do yoga...when in fact it is the complete opposite! Yoga was created thousands of years ago to help the body stay in a peak physical, mental, and spiritual state. Flexibility is what comes from practicing yoga on a regular basis, therefore yoga helps you become MORE flexible over time! So get out of your own way and do not allow this common misconception hold you back from entering the yoga studio. -- To be completely honest I could not even touch my toes prior to building a consistent yoga practice. My body has changed dramatically and as my practice grows, so does my body and my mind, (literally western science has just recently confirmed your brain grows in size by practicing daily meditation!! Google it!). Since I started yoga I have dropped 35 pounds and been able to keep it off, yet another great benefit of the practice. Not to mention I have a few circus tricks up my sleeve now! ;)
Everyone has an idea of the ultimate person that they want to be, some call it their "higher self" or their "ultimate being". You dream of achieving the perfect career, lifestyle and person you want people to know and remember you by. I can honestly say yoga is the vehicle that is getting me closer to becoming my ultimate self. Yoga has given me the confidence and back bone that I feel wasn't always there prior to taking on a consistent practice. Yoga has taught me to breathe through very tough situations and has shown me that instead of taking a fight or flight response to life's struggles, I instead have another option and that is to take a stand. Instead of being reactive and screaming in rage or getting angry over these life struggles or even feeling depressed and sad. I now know that I can take a stand and act skillfully with out emotions getting the best of me. This is done by taking a deep breath and accepting that you are EXACTLY where you are supposed to be. It almost sounds too simple I know, but in reality it is much harder to practice, and knowing that I am always practicing my yoga both on and off the mat is what keeps me in the right frame of mind to handle life's struggles and blessings. Yoga is and always will be a practice, no perfection, just 99% practice and 1% theory. And with that in mind I know that I can breathe and know that I truly am right where I need to be.
This now brings up the spiritual side of yoga. I'm not known to be religious or to have a practicing religion and yoga in its purest form itself is NOT a religion or a cult (we are just happy people who try to better ourselves and the world around us!). Yoga is contained within religion BUT religion is not contained within yoga. This is what is so beautiful about yoga. Yoga is whatever you want it to be, it is here solely to serve you and your journey. Through seated meditation I have come to find many great thing about myself and all that is around me. I feel as though we are all connected to something higher, beyond us and to one another. Yoga means union, it is the joining together of the aspects of ourselves that were never divided in the first place.
I think that sums most of it up without making this too long and gives you an Idea of where I am at personally with my practice at this point in time. I am so happy that I have this opportunity to bring yoga into the lives of others. With the impact that yoga practice has had on my life I, in turn, want to try and bring that into your lives. So please if this is something you have been seeking in your life reach out and connect with me or your fellow yoga community.
Namaste,
Caden "Yoga Bro" Carsey
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