Over nearly 17 years and more than 7800 hours of teaching and training in Yoga + Mindfulness , what’s beautiful is the variety and individual expression of something that is so valuable to our entire community. I have been privileged to practice & teach many styles all of which I have used to deepen my understanding of mindfulness.
During that time Ive also witnessed many conversations (or dare I say clever or unconscious marketing) on which style is the ‘right’ style or way to practice Yoga &/or Meditation or how we should ‘align’ people in poses etc.
As I was enjoying the final day of the “TEST” at the Adelaide oval between Australia and South Africa these two Policeman inspired me to write a little poetry in response to the ongoing questions / arguments that seem to pop up in the yoga world
(and no the cricket was not on – we were on drinks break;)
NO SUCH THING AS YOGA ‘POLICE’
When we fall into the trap
of what’s wrong or right
We miss the essence of yoga
and start to lose sight
At times we need refinement
Other times we need more ease
We can use a little steadiness with alignment
Other times no alignment to feel more free
The minute we start to argue
Imposing our point of view
We have forgotten & create division
We create an identity, a “me” and “you”
It’s not about the style or the form
Yoga is about the mind
Being the eye in the storm
Instead of creating yoga rules and laws
Perhaps think less
And feel more!
Doubt your doubts
Go within rather than “trying to figure it out”
Yoga was designed to free us
From imprisonment caused by the mind
Step 1 Don’t buy into any yoga style arguments
The tricks of marketing at its best
Use your mind and energy wisely
That is the “TEST”
Come back to a deeper truth
Creating UNION was yoga’s initial use!
I am forever thankful to one of my meditation teachers Patrick many years ago who lifted the weight from my shoulders of trying to ‘figure’ it all out.
After attending a 10 day silent retreat and then another training with Patrick , I asked for help to clear up my confusion – I keep getting told by quite a few teachers that their way is the right way and other ways are inferior in comparison – naively I ask – Why is that and how do I know which way is right
He turned to me and cleared it up all in one sentence :
“Don’t take marketing so seriously”
And ever since Ive had more ‘space’ to practice the essence of yoga.
Namaste
(Australia won the test by the way;)
Tammy xox
Click here to read another special NUGGET OF INSPIRATION from my time at the cricket chatting with someone very special to the Australian Cricket Team
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