The style I practice is Jivamukti although my training is Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. They're fairly similar physically but Jivamukti has the added chanting and, to me, a more spiritual practice. I still get my ass kicked in class (especially when I forget I'm attending a higher level class when I go on an off day), but at the heart of practice is spirit.
And so we get to inspired people - my post title. This week, my teacher has been talking about the things that, according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, can cause you to truly succeed in yoga. Oh, real quick, yoga means union and the point of it (for me at least although I think it might be the same for many), is to stop seeing things as separate and seeing all as one. I'm not sure I can explain that better. I understand it for myself as more a feeling than words. So, the Pradipika talks about surrounding yourself with inspired people. I love this because it's true, I want to always be around people who uplift me, who make me think, who make me feel and learn and grow, who are curious and want to engage with me. When I say this, I don't mean only saying what is positive and never sharing pain and suffering. Pain and suffering are a part of life and a powerful tool to finding that thing that gives substance to life, that adds layers or takes them away - depending on how you look at it - and just makes life beautiful. Through pain and suffering, we can find connection and we can help each other. That's what we're supposed to do I think. Always. It's easy to forget sometimes...but that's where forgiveness comes in. More on that another day.
I'm rambling and lost my thought. I should probably mention I'm writing this after a class where we did do quite some back bending which truly is like walking by a coffee shop (pot cafes in Amsterdam) too slowly and inhaling too deeply! It's a wonderful feeling - the back bending high I mean. Ok, I really lost my thought now. Hold please while I re-read my post and wrap it up.
OK, I'm back. So - inspired people - I love them and I hope I am one to my friends. How about you? Do you surround yourself with inspired people?
10 comments:
Wonderful and interesting post Natasha. Enjoyed reading about the yoga. I love what you said about through pain and suffering we can find connection and help each other.
Hugs
Roz
I love that I just read Tara's post about handjobs, and myself today posted about guacamole, and then pop over here to read this deep spiritual offering from you.
I think when your online friends are mostly writers you can't help but be surrounded by inspired people, right? I loved this post, it makes me feel like I can hear you talking to me :)
Yoga is something I have always wanted to try. The closest I got was Tai Chi and I loved it, thank you for the reminder, must look for a class.
A beautiful and thought provoking post. Hmm, inspiration comes in all shapes and forms, from the tiny snowdrop forcing its way out of the hard frosty ground, to the person who tirelessly and uncomplainingly gives up all their time as a caregiver, or someone who so entirely believes in what they are doing that nothing else is important. Or the person who struggles to face the day, because of physical or mental pain but still they get up there and do it. Or the glimmer of sunshine sneaking its way through the grey clouds, with the promise of something better to come Thank you. You put a smile on my face today :D
I have lived a long time all my working hours with people that sucked every inspired thought from you. And at one moment in time I couldn't cope with all the violence and negativity of my work environment. I changed my career, changed my whole life really. And I have been actively searching for positive people, people who could help me change. And slowly I did, and you and people like you helped me do that.
Life isn't always fun and roses and it doesn't have to be. But we if we look at it, if I look at it, I am content.
Thank you Natasha for your inspiration.
I think it's totally true and powerful bonds are created through sharing. It takes courage to do but gives a great return :)
I read everyone's posts and think 'oh, why didn't I think of that!' Now you've made me hungry for guacamole...
Yes, I think it's true. On line friends who are writers are inspiring. I love them all. :)
I've never tried Tai Chi but they have it here in the park. I've seen people doing it - I just need more hours in the day to do it all! If you do start on yoga, let me know, will you?
You put one back on mine Tara. I appreciate how you appreciate life.
Thank you Han and I can say the same for you. I have I think. I think it can take a great deal of courage to develop an on line friendship - a true one - and we've got that and a large part of that was due to you just being there and open and in a way, drawing me out. I will always appreciate that.
As for negativity, it does suck energy and that's not to say there aren't sad times, there are. Negativity is different, it's not sadness, it's bitterness. I don't want that around me, I don't want to get caught in that or fall into that hole. It's too easy and I love all of my inspired friends who keep me at a safe distance from it.
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