Yoga is a way of life for those who practise daily. It is not just about obtaining the ability to perform the perfect handstand or to stretch enough to put your leg behind you head. Yoga is a state of being. A state of being that remarkably parallels that of elves.
Somebody actually remarked to me the other day 'yoga is not fashionable any more'......... when did such a beautiful state of being turn into something that can become unfashionable?
I'll move on........ Lets start by discussing what most do understand about yoga..... Movement.
The ability to gain strength, flexibility and control by placing the body into certain positions takes great focus and spacial awareness. Feet and hands engage with the ground with precision and careful thought. The body flows, allowing energy to move and grow whilst continually creating the awareness of presence in ones self. Utilising the intake and 'timing' (flow) of the breath (life force) helps cleanse the body and maximise energy and it's movement.
Yoga offers a meditation, a grounding. The focus required to physically perform yoga helps to re focus the mind, It helps create an awareness of self and the connection we have to the world (and beyond). We see a bigger picture and understand the lives of others, We find empathy and compassion and unconditional love for all living things. Yoga helps us understand emotional arousal. We understand that to be angry or unkind creates an energy draining black hole. It teaches us to let go and forgive to be serene and wise.
Individuals who regularly practise yoga begin to understand the environment with in their bodies.
The choose not to pollute themselves and opt for healthy healing diets, Consuming that which nourishes the body and the soul.
One of the most beautiful aspects of yoga is how it has evoked a connection with words, their meaning and the effect your own words can have on another or how I can stop allowing the words that others to induce pain or cause a 'rise' in to an emotional state.
Food is sweeter,colours are brighter and there is a growing connection to nature forming.
Whilst out running down a small country lane last summer, I turned a corner to see standing 50 meters in front of me...... a beautiful deer. Yes I know.... hardly mythological but.... rarely seen in this particular area. I stood frozen completely held by the connection of our eyes. Still watching me he walked off the path towards the trees. He turned and jumped on to a small wall. Stopped.... glanced back and me .... then was gone. This encounter resonated deep with me .....one I have not forgotten.
I believe in the healing power of crystals and I know I am a better person due to a daily meditation practice (even just 10 minutes upon waking)
My yoga journey has benefited my life in countless ways, but the similarities of a yoga life with that of elves is incredibly paralleled. There is no shame in embracing an elvish way of life. Obtainable even without shooting a bow and arrow.
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