Yoga moves beyond the self While many begin to practice yoga as a way to “get in shape,” something often changes along the way. As students move their bodies, the deeper lessons of yoga unfold. For many, it becomes a lifelong endeavor. There is no right or wrong way to practice; yoga is to be experienced and interpreted by the individual student, who is his or her own greatest teacher.
know who they are at their core. With fewer external distractions, they can focus on what is happening inside the mind, how to control thoughts, and how to find peace within the present moment. • Dharana Bringing concentration to a single point or focus is Dharana. With the distractions of the external world set aside, students are able to work through the distractions of their minds. A useful tool is bringing awareness to a single point. Through deep focus on a single point, such as an object or the breath, the observer becomes completely present as the past and future dissolve and complete awareness is brought to the moment. But it does not stop there. • Dhyana Dhyana is this practice of bringing meditation into one’s daily life. Through the dedicated practice of inward focus, students learn to carry that same focus into the very distracting world. Ultimately, external quiet and isolation become less and less necessary in the pursuit of inner peace. • Samadhi Samadhi is described as a state of eternal peace, liberation, and oneness. Many people practice for their entire lives without reaching Samadhi, the ultimate goal of all existence.
34 August 2017
awareness
exploring spirituality
The eight limbs offer the guide posts to one’s innate wisdom. Through a committed practice, students learn to to set aside thoughts and emotions in order to experience union both within the self and among all living things. The journey of the yogi is one of internal peace and compassion for all. The world needs yoga now more than ever. There are many types of yoga practices—Ashtanga (rapid, flowing poses), Bikram (conducted in a sauna-like room), and Hatha (gentle, basic), just to name a few—and far too many to outline in this article. A good way to find one that fits your goals would be to Google a question like, “What are the different types of yoga?” or “Which type of yoga is best?” If you are a beginner or interested in trying yoga for the first time, this will give you clear information on what each offers you. Take a moment to bring yoga into your daily life. Start by taking one minute today to focus on your breath and/or bring your awareness to your body as you move it. Find a community and yoga studio near you to begin practicing and to learn more about the many benefits the practice has to offer. Bring a yoga practice into your life by connecting with your breath, yourself, and your community today. Holly Zajur is a writer, yogi, and ceramic artist based in Richmond. She is dedicated to sharing the power of yoga and art, the way they change lives and transform the world around us. She is the communications manager at Project Yoga Richmond, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making yoga accessible to all. Follow Holly on Instagram (@ hollyzajur) and visit her blog (www. hollyzajur.com).