by S.L. Jordan
The beginning is always today - Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
One of the main reasons I took my FIRST 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, I am currently finishing up my second certification - Form and Flow, was because I wanted to learn more about yoga OFF da Ma'at. I am a complete nerd on the origin of things, how they evolved, and how they intersect with other aspects of life.
Even without taking YTT, if you have been a yoga practitioner for a considerable amount of time then you are familiar with the [Yoga] Sutras of Patanjali. At the very least, it's been referenced in a class.
If you are unfamiliar, here is a quick summary:
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a collection of Sanskrit Sutras on the Theory and Practice of Yoga. There are 4 chapters and 195 Sutras. The "chapters" are small, and often the Sutras are only a few lines to explore the theme of the chapters. Essentially, it is about how to practice yoga Off da' Ma'at.
The first chapter [Samadhi Pada] focuses on contemplation, and self-reflection. It lays the foundation for the entire yogic path by discussing the nature of the mind and its fluctuations.
I always gravitate towards the first Sutra: atha yoganusasanam
Loosely translated it means, "Now begins the instruction on the practice of Yoga".
Simply stated, yet impactful. It's saying, set everything else aside and FOCUS on THE practice, YOUR practice of yoga.
BE HERE NOW, is what Patanjali is saying. Present to this moment.
It also sums up how I feel about where I am in my own yoga practice, and journey as a yoga teacher. The evolution of me doing yoga just as a physical practice to implementing yogic principles in my life. Learning more about the 8 limbs of yoga, the Sutras, and history of yoga makes me feel like, "NOW BEGINS the instruction on MY practice of Yoga".
Here is a thorough breakdown of the Sutra.
My own practice has strictly been Heated Power Flow, with a mix of YIN and Slow Flow here and there. Since I cut back on my hours at BIG Power Yoga, I have been able to attend Sarah Montross's Powerful Alignment Class, and I find myself falling back in love with the practice again. Â It's the attention to details that BUILD the pose, the original intention/foundation of the pose - you can literally fall down a rabbit hole on a pose! It's a beautiful thing that I can still find joy and love in something I have been practicing for years. That for years to come my practice and physical abilities will change, but it can still be vital to my life.
The 200hr Yoga Teacher training I am currently taking is drastically different from the first training I took. Form and Flow is a combination of Vinyasa, Restorative Yoga, YIN Yoga, and Alignment Yoga, and it touches on a lot of practices that alignment with yoga like, Ayurveda wellness, chakras, and meditation.
I love powerful flow for my own practice, and even enjoy teaching it; however, I am discovering that alignment yoga is complimentary with how I think and focuses on the aspect I love about teaching yoga - improving mobility whilst aging, being able to functionally move in your body.
Sneaking in the yogic principles is just the added bonus.
I AM here NOW. Ready to start MY instruction on the practice of yoga.
Are you ready?
Meet Me on the Ma'at.
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