Yoga is a life philosophy and a way of being in harmony, balance, and union with all aspects of our being. Human beings are believed to be made up of the 5 koshas or sheaths:
1. Physical Body
2. Energy Body: (Our breath and bioelectric forces)
3. Mind: Primitive Mind (subcortical)
4. Mind: Higher Mind (frontal cortex)
5. Spirit/Bliss Body: Soul or spirit, that which all living things are a part of.
In my journey studying yoga for the past 15 years or so, I have come to understand how personal of a journey it is, we can benefit from all aspects of yoga, and depending on where we are spiritually in our lives, we seek to develop and strengthen different aspects of the practice.
Initially I was trying out different teachers/styles, looking for my "guru" trying to get a way to go to India, to become the best student of yoga. What my searches revealed to me, and the many teachers along the way, is that you can read hundreds of books about yoga, but never experience yoga. Yoga can not be "taught" in a sense, it is something we must "practice" so we may clear the obstacles that prevent us from being in a yogic state of being. The experience of unity/yoga is always available to us, we begin with the practice of asana & pranayama (the style I teach is based on the eight limbs of hatha yoga and includes movement science and evidence based practices). We also need to let go of the past, forgive, accept what is, to welcome the moment in harmony with all our koshas.
A disciplined yoga practice disappears our ego, and our truest natural essence of who we are is experienced (this essence is always within us, because it is what we truly are). We are love, bliss, true happiness, peace, and joy... that is our natural state of being. I was walking around carrying my guru inside of myself for all those years, my greatest teachers taught me from their presence and guidance how to connect within again and again. This is the foundation of the yoga I share now with others. It is a very empowering form of yoga, which allows one to create a new way of being and perceiving ourselves. Yoga is meant to be practiced as a way of life, not just on the mat... The following are helpful mental declarations to repeat throughout your day to strengthen your practice:
I am a witness. Observe your life, without getting caught up in reacting or getting emotionally charged.
I am helpful to myself and others. Nurture yourself, be kind to yourself, and others.
I am grateful for every moment. Every moment, every breath we experience is a blessing.
Witness your day, notice your feelings as things happen to you, without reacting. Notice others who come into your life, and allow thoughts/feelings to come in to how you can be useful to others. What can you learn more about yourself from the experiences we have with those that come into our lives? At end of day, notice how energized you feel.
Our world needs this for us to create more peace, compassion, empathy, and love for one another. I have become more whole through practicing yoga. This clearing of obstacles is a continual practice, however it has allowed me to be inspired to manifest a new style of yoga asana and pranayama practice, that blends modern science with ancient wisdom. I wish to add the highest level of safety and integrity to yoga and belly dance. I have also been inspired to share a new dimension to Physical Therapy, to acknowledge the koshas, spirit, therapeutic presence, intention, breath, and energy, so that we may benefit all aspects of our patients being for optimal healing. Lastly, the relationship we share with our patients/clients is the foundation for "our" healing and wellness. I wish to share this importance also with medical professionals. Yoga has taught me the amazing ability we have to heal physically from just healing and nurturing our relationships with others.
YOGA DEFINED written by Michelle Maniaci
Michelle Sharing Her Yoga Experiences and Inspirations