Expansion Yoga

Oct, 8, 208, Expansion is Our Nature, and Our Nature is divine

Lately, I can't help but notice that in certain mindful, spiritually motivated circles, there seems to be a taboo against developing ability in relationship to yoga asana (yoga postures). As if the motivation toward self-improvement were counter to being at peace - with one's self, and with things as they are.

I guess I see the point. I think this view is in part a reaction to the current trend toward de-spiritualization of the yoga practice - an approach to yoga that turns vinyasa into a type of aerobics, and another forum in which to criticize ourselves and others. I've heard there are people lobbying for "yoga" to be an olympic event - this, of course, is absurd. A senior teacher I was recently talking to hit the nail on the head - he said it would be interesting from a gymnastic standpoint, like any athletic event. But it wouldn't be yoga. I absolutely agree that striving toward externally imposed standards of accomplishment in the performance of physical feats of posture is not yoga.

On the other hand, aspiring toward something is one of the most purely human, and therefore one of the most divine experiences of embodied existence.

Think of it this way. We are, as the yogis tell us, nothing but a manifestation of pure spirit, or energy. Of sakti (shakti). This is the same pulsing, vibrating force that is the basic ingredient, the materia prima, of the universe. My teacher, Douglas Brooks, says it this way: that you are "nothing but" the universe. And she you.

We know that the universe is not static, but is constantly shifting, morphing, expanding, transforming. It is supremely of your deepest nature to do the same. To desire to expand is divine. The methods that we choose in pursuing that expansion are as varied in scope and efficacy as are the embodied forms that this vibrating energy takes.

In other words, choosing to build yourself, to transform or expand your abilities, is entirely in the realm of self respect, self honoring, and self love. It is how you do it that matters. And how do we do it? We line up with the rhythms of nature. Of our nature. Although I imagine there are myriad ways to do this, the way that I know is by following the principles of Anusara yoga. And so I practice.

In the spirit of Kula, I invite you to practice with me, and to share the struggles and successes of your aspirations here. namaste,

Alison

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