In February, I completed a 200HR Yoga Teacher Training at the Dharma Yoga Center in NYC. Being in the center surrounded by like minded yogis and especially in the presence of Sri Dharma Mittra, really does "charge" your system. Sri Dharma Mittra often speaks of the "collective consciousness" and usually says in regards to the Sun Salutations "move together like a parade." It really does make you take a look at your practise. Are you in a rush? are you too slow? are you paying attention to the person next to you? maybe they have an injury, do you want to wait for them so they don't feel so lost? do you need to push yourself more? All these thoughts are rushing through my head while trying to "move like a parade" and being mindful of the collective consciousness. I remember him also saying that "like attracts like" and he went on to say, "if one person rests, one by one, those around that person also rests" and he was completely right! I notice this contagious effect around me whenever I take a break, and keep telling myself, "get up and push yourself" to help the person next to me also decide to push themselves a little more.
I completed all the requirements to meet the 200HR teacher training and received my certificate from Sri Dharma Mittra himself on my recent visit to NYC. It was an honor to receive the certificate but I know the REAL work is ahead of me. I'm still struggling with many postures, but I know it will all come with practice. Looking around room in the Dharma Yoga Center, I saw many students at various stages of their practice and abilities. While trying to attempt a twisting pose, I knew mentally "this is as far as I go" but looked up to see Dharma standing there and put his two fists on his hips and said "you are able to do the pose, but you must be SERIOUS about it!" He came over and helped me get into the pose and guess what? I was able to do it (with his help of course!) This is exactly what I needed to hear! I like to joke around a lot and it is a reflection of how I go about life, not serious! But I knew what he meant. Yoga practice is a serious practice and I must begin to take myself and my practice seriously. I realize now that with consistent practice and dedication, results and breakthroughs happen in my practice, but I know this is not what yoga is about. Its not about the results, its about the effort and seriousness you put into yourself and your practice to eventually have knowledge of the true self. Regardless of where you are in your practice, practice with heart. So, don't do yoga to look better and become more flexible, do it for your mental well-being, physical health and also to learn more about the true self or the guru within. Do yoga as an "offering to the supreme self". All the answers lie within, all you need to do is go there and you will see. We are all in different stages of growth. Don't rush, don't compare, don't judge, just keep going on your own path to enlightenment and you will start to grow and blossom.
Over the next few weeks, follow me as I begin to get more serious about my practice and see how it grows....
