Yoga - Not Just a Physical Practice

Yoga is not just about poses. It's about helping you to reach a place of deep contentment. Challenging you to think about, how you chose to live, why you make your choices and what can make you happy.

If you aren't happy then simply trying to answer the question WHY can be too broad a question. You could start here:

Ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Do you have the energy to do the things you want to do? Y/N

2. Do you have the confidence to do the things you want to do? Y/N

3. What is stopping you?

If you answered no to Q1, you don't have the energy, you could try to list all the things in your life that you are holding on to but need to let go. This could be anything; unrealistic body image, belongings that no longer serve you or anger/fear/hate, anything. Remember, sometimes we need to try to let go of things that no longer serve us hundreds of times before we can, so don't be too self-critical if this takes time. The first step is figuring out what you don't need.

If you answered no to Q2, you don't have the confidence, you could try to make a list of the things you want to do, then all your barriers to doing it and see if you can tackle them or get help to tackle them one at a time.

Always remembering that your happiness depends on no external force. In other words, don't blame others, lack of time, money, family or even the weather if you chose not to do the things that make you happy. If you aren't happy change something to ensure that you are. If there is something you can't change, change your attitude towards it. Make the obstacle an opportunity. If you are time-short, reassess if you are putting your time into the right things.

All of this and more is what I talk about in my yoga classes. This particular class is about the Manipura (3rd) Chakra. This yellow ball of swirling energy at your solar plexus/your belly is responsible for your sense of self, self-worth, self-esteme, self-criticism. This place in the centre of your body is a place of fire, giving you the change to embrace change, get rid of inertia and DO the things you want to do. You have the most amazing power. You have the energy deep in you to achieve anything, how you chose to use this energy, is up to you. If you waste it all on menial tasks that you don't enjoy, that is your choice. But if you have commitments that you cannot change, then change your approach to them, make them fun and get rid of that Groundhog Day monotony. This is a place of transformation. Be you, be happy, be true to yourself.