What Do You Really Want from Yoga?
Are you looking for a healthy mindset, fitness, spiritual
guidance, holistic health, self-improvement, success, or just
more oxygen? Yoga can deliver all of these, but I doubt you find
all of this "under one roof." The reason is that there are many
kinds of Yoga, and some ashrams, or Yoga schools, will address
some of the above-mentioned needs as priorities.
Do you ever wonder why some people are so successful in life? I
am not talking about someone who has "everything handed to
them." What I am referring to is someone who has taken the time
to know what they want from life, pursues it, and then attains
it. This comes from self-analysis, meditation, and goal setting
skills.
Do not confuse yourself with someone else's dreams or
expectations of you. You must know your particular strengths,
weaknesses, passions, and desires to move forward in your Yoga
practice. Remember when you were a child and adults asked you,
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
If you are not sure, you should compile a list of ideas. Here
are some things to consider when deciding "how to find yourself"
and "where to go from here."
What is your concept of happiness?
Please be honest with yourself and go after your dreams. You
cannot abandon responsibility, but you can make small changes in
your lifestyle. Wake up each day and pursue your goals with
happiness in your heart.
What are your real passions, obsessions, and desires?
These are ideas you think about all the time. Listen to your
heart; the answers are within. They should not cause harm to
anyone and should be morally sound. Whatever they are, they will
keep you going when you have any doubts. This is your fuel for
daily motivation.
What does any of this have to do with Yoga?
Everything - Yoga is a daily path of self-discovery and
self-improvement. Yoga literally means "Unity," and applies to
all things. If you know yourself, you can help yourself. Help
usually starts from within. Most of us have to ask for help, and
you must know when, and who, to ask.
Seek and find the Yoga that will help you find yourself. Yoga's
many branches are over 5,000 years old. They are the origin of
many self-improvement and health maintenance systems.
Achievement is realized by habits. You alone, have the power to
create or change your habits.