Recently I’ve noticed whenever someone asks me what *yoga* is I answer this question differently. Often I think about the suitable answer for that person, the answer she or he is able to accept at the current point of life. Although it also keeps changing inside of me.
During my personal yoga journey, I think I’ve read several dozens of different definitions of this word. The western world still sees it as a physical exercise, mostly stretching. More aware people say it is a philosophy, a mind and body practice. It involves movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to promote mental and physical well-being. What else can it be?
The word “yoga” comes from the word “yuj”, meaning “to join”. Sometimes it is also translated into “to connect”, “to unite” or “to weave together the threads of the mind”.
Yoga is the method of reaching the non-dreaming mind. It is an ability to be here and now. Yoga teaches us to be always present. Yoga means a state in which our full attention is focused on the activity we are actually engaged. Yoga is the ability to run your mind without being distracted and out of control.
It is the art of being.
Yoga is achieving what was previously unattainable. Every change is yoga. Yoga is every action we take besides our comfort zone to grow.
Yoga is a union – the union of the body and mind, and also a union between living creatures, a union with the Self, and a union with the Absolute.
Still, my grandma says it is a devil’s thing.
