Yoga vs yogaDuring a recent video stream, the difference between capital "Y" Yoga and lowercase "y" yoga was described. The first being the traditional practice as described by the Yoga Sutra and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The latter, being the practices commonly engaged in by modern Americans. What is the difference? INTENTION: Yoga practitioners are seeking betterment, contentment, enlightenment, while yoga practitioners are seeking a better body, group affiliation and fun. The traditional practice of Yoga has been copied, cut, split, divided and sectioned out. There are hundreds of styles that focus on just a few of the aspects of the practice. As a yoga practitioner, you are only getting a tiny taste of a very big pie. Be Willing to ListenTo truly practice Yoga you have to be able to honor the traditions outlined in texts from over 5000 years ago while still existing and functioning as a human living in today's society. This is not easy. Many Yogis are perceived as weirdos who are out of touch with the rest of the world. Look at Jim Carey; he understands Yoga, but his words are falling upon deaf ears. Many of those with whom he speaks are not practicing Yoga. What he has to say is difficult to grasp, therefore, it can sound as though he has lost his mind. Yoga practitioners are willing to listen, even if we don't quite understand. We are ready to learn, to experience, to gain wisdom. Be Willing to CompromiseYou perceive the world based upon your upbringing and experiences. You see the world through your own eyes. You will never be able to see it as your brother, best friend, grandfather, or aunt does. At all times, we must do our best to attempt to see the world in another way, even though it will always be shaded by our own perspective. We can compromise. We can reach out to others and meet them where they are. At Lake Tahoe Yoga we do this by offering our weekly Vinyasa & Vino practice.
We are seeking yoga practitioners who are willing to attempt to see the world differently. We want to meet you and hear about how you see the world. We have opened our door to invite you in to learn about the traditional practice of Yoga and to encourage you to try it out. We want you to feel good, to look good and to have fun as well as to listen, learn and discover your Self. Join us on Friday evenings for Vinyasa; a sequence of interconnected movements that encourage grace. Then stay for a glass of wine and Satsang; a conversation among like-minded people.
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During the month of June we focused on communicating. The definition of the word Satsang (saht-sahng) is "communing with the divine." This doesn't necessarily mean talking to a god or holy spirit of some sort. It means to connect with the divine within yourself and others. There is a saying; "keep you friends close and your enemies closer." Taking this concept from a Yogic viewpoint it embodies the idea of Satasang.
To understand your Self, you must see what is within those whom you do not agree with. Ultimately, in Yoga, you will find that you are always surrounded by those whom you agree with, those whom you do not and those whom you cannot understand. Each one of these people is there for you to learn from and to teach. Remember, we are always practicing and we are always learning. Take the time to communicate with those around you and soon you will discover your Self; your own divinity within. |
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