Integrity + Intention
Integrity in practice = Integrity in character
As tempting as it is, try not to take the short route in your yoga practice. A bind is an extension of a posture, not an accessory to make it more outwardly appealing. Rather than a kick and a prayer, a slow, steady, patient approach is the best way to make your inversions stable and reliable. Use your bandhas to transition rather than momentum to gain internal awareness rather than an outward illusion of strength.
When we focus on the goal of our practice being physical, whether it be for a posture, flexibility, strength, weight loss, or the label of being a “yogi,” we bypass everything else that actually makes us better people in the world: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-judgement, compassion, peace, and more. At our last breath, these these are the things we want to remember cultivating throughout our lives…not handstands, not lotus pose, not a backbend.
I’ve spent countless hours on my mat trying to cultivate peace in my life through the vehicle of yoga. By slowing down my postures, practicing patience, focusing on the present moment and disregarding an end “goal,” I have found my mind has become clearer and stronger, and my body has followed suite. Probably somewhat naively, I have attempted to turn the lessons that have so positively impacted my life into a career so that I can help others. Just as I spent countless hours on my mat experiencing the practice so that I can become a better and more genuine teacher, I also spend hours meditating, brainstorming, planning, and working unpaid hours to create new events, programs, and retreats for students that I think could positively impact them and the world that we live in.
Asteya is integral in our practice: when we disregard the true purpose of this ancient practice, we steal from its potential and we steal from all of those who have passed it down for thousands of years for the betterment of humanity. When we steal from the purpose of a posture in order to create the illusion of “advancement,” we steal from ourselves and the opportunity to experience our authentic greatness.
Because I have learned so much from my teachers, I honor them in my teachings: I give credit where it is due and share the history and lineage of this practice with all who join me in it. Imitation is not the highest form of flattery — without context, without respect, without paying dues, imitation is theft.
Consider what my teacher Hilaire Lockwood used to say in practice to us “Ask yourself: What am I doing? And why am I doing it?” Look deeply within and examine your motivations. Is what you are doing on and off of the mat solely to create an illusion of success to others? Is it to benefit from others’ hard work and creativity for financial gain? Or is it to become the best, most highest version of your authentic self?
As much as I often want to throw in the towel on my teaching career, my idealism keeps me pushing forward, regardless of setback after setback. I will continue to offer myself and what I have learned authentically in hopes that I can make a difference in myself, in others, and in the world at large.
What about you?
“What are you doing? And why are you doing it?”
