(Thoughts While Doing Yoga, 2015)
Yoga is stretching. But no way, because if that were so, why would there be such a ginormous wave of hype regarding the simple act of stretching? Why is it so good?
Yoga saved my life. Or rather, I decided I would stretch and learn how to use my body to accept and interact with the content inside my head. It all started almost 4 years ago when my then roommate (shoutout to Hannah Boone, thank you) led me through a simple series in our living room. I didn't even own a mat. Every downward dog felt like a miracle, and still does! The slight pinch of the hips, the shoulders stacking against the muscles of the back, all of these things I can almost HEAR when I press my body against the earth.
I haven't been able to stop since. I can't go too many days without seeking practice in a quiet space. Yoga allows for meditation without the pressure of staying still. Silence without the stagnant air; a way to bring it all inward and feel the simple vibrancy of existence (without the existential dread, because let's face it, everyone and their mother is depressed).
Part of the human experience is to seek connection with the spirit that moves and works in ways unknown. Some call it God, others energy. Whatever you call it, one thing is clear:
Once you start paying attention, it speaks.
Yoga allows a channel to open between me and my creator. Think what you will, if you practice, then I'm sure you can agree or add to this conclusion to some extent. I think of the countless times I stopped mid-practice to run to the nearest journal, thoughts expelling at a rate unlike when I'm TRYING to journal, or ATTEMPTING to think. Thoughts coming from me, speaking to me, healing me. A body turned vessel. Memories unblocked. Reality presented most simply.
Truths flow naturally from a generous creator into my mind when I am still, patient, open, and willing.
Those who disregard religion are ignorant to the ever-evolving underlying desire of human nature: to find meaning. To feel something. To connect. To create.
However, there are more wholesome ways to seek what lies beyond 5 senses, and organized religion has capitalized on this innate desire. It's a sad thing in most instances where discrimination, lack of tolerance, blind idealism and extremism take over.
But hey, there's always yoga.
There is freedom available from all of the weights imposed by existence. I believe this.
Which is why a few years back I started writing down my Yoga Thoughts. I keep a sticky pad by my mat and wait. I don't force the words. I listen. And when they come sometimes they are so full of healing truth, I have no choice but to remember them. To write them down.
I encourage you to do the same, and if you'd like to share thoughts either anonymously or not I will post them on my project page. Email priscillajrocha@gmail.com ... Namaste. The light in me recognizes and respects the light in you.