My Interpretation of Yoga

The word yoga in Sanskrit it means ‘York’ translated to ‘union’ - the bringing together of the physical, mental and spiritual or soul. When these three come together, we call it yoga. The above is the definition of yoga and this is my interpretation of it.

Yes, yoga is everything we have said above and in my own words, I would say. I have done yoga for the longest time and so have you, I just didn’t know it and might even have called it a different name. See, yoga is anything done physically the combines our mind input and our whole being (soul, spirit) into it. Most women do this when they cook family meals, wash dishes and other chores in the home. Same to men, we have things, activities that we do that require concentration of the mind and soul/spirit. Yoga is basically cultivating that awareness to become second nature. It does not come overnight and therefore becomes a life’s goal and with continued practice and persistence it becomes a lifestyle.

Yoga has taught me a principle that has been mentioned by many writers and motivational speakers the likes of Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen in their book, ‘Oneminutemillionaire’ and Earl Nightingale in his motivational talks. The principle of BE, DO, HAVE. That we attract that which we are and not necessarily what we want. I will give you a simple example which is my next goal, a full side split (Hanuman asana) in Sanskrit. For me to achieve my goal, I will need to

Point # 1 BE: -

i) Someone who practices regularly without fail

ii) Someone who has a clear plan on how to work on the split

iii) Someone who has put measures in place and habits that will keep him on track and focused

iv) Someone who enrolls the help of a coach

v) Someone who listens to instructions

vi) Someone who understands what needs to be done

Point #2 DO:

i) Someone who practices splits

ii) Who does the work or assignment they are given

iii) Who does more than what they are required

iv) Who consistently thinks about their goal

v) Who does their part and not meddle in others

And then I will HAVE what I want. I know, it sounds simple and yet remain out of reach of many. That is why it is primarily a lifestyle where you are always learning and keep improving yourself every single day.

Yoga has heightened my level of awareness to notice where I am in any given circumstance. Identify what is working and what is not and make the necessary changes including adapting new ways of approach to the situation at hand.