People often ask me what is yoga and why I practice yoga.  I usually have a sassy comeback and then explain that yoga is my release and my time for me.  But, I have never really thought much deeper into those questions.  Until now.

Before entering my first teacher training class, all the trainees were asked to describe what yoga is.  To form our own definition of yoga, all without doing any research.  Below is my submission.  It is raw and unedited and definitely not all encompassing.  Yoga is so much more than what I was able to place on paper.

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What is YOGA?

To me, yoga is more than a physical practice. In fact, the physical aspect of yoga is such a small step into the practice of yoga.

Yoga is about community. It is about sharing your practice with those around you and inviting them along your journey. It’s accepting that we are all beautiful and different souls navigating life together.

Yoga is about breath. It is using your breath as your life force, your guidance, and your centering power even when you breath may be shallow.

Yoga is about strength. It is the strength to hold a deep posture, even when your body says its time to quit. It is the strength to be a better person even in the worst of situations. It is the strength to remain centered when it would be so easy to falter.

Yoga is about movement. It is about the physical movement of the practice; the spiritual movement through your own personal journey; and an inner movement that occurs in oneself.

For me, yoga is about being present and in tune with my body, my emotions, and my surroundings. It’s about the sky above me, guiding me through this wonderful life.   It’s being able to open myself to the grace surrounding me and appreciate this life that has been given to me. It’s about the earth below me, keeping me rooted. Feeling grounded in times of uncertainty and accepting my current position rooted to the earth, yet remaining open to the possibilities beyond my physical and spiritual self. Most importantly, yoga is about the fire within me; igniting me in everything that I do. It’s about passion, love, and hope for good.

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Namaste.