Thoughts on Yoga
Stoke your Inner Fire!
2007-01-26
When the temps drop outside, what a wonderful feeling to be warm and cozy. It's even more wonderful when you feel that warmth arising from within.
I call this the "inner fire." In my own experience, the inner fire has many delightful manifestations.
Among these are deep feelings of joy, ease, and relaxation that you can feel throughout the day. They literally rise from the belly and seem to come regardless of whatever is going on around you. At first you notice them from time to time but after awhile they become constant.
Inner fire also gives protection again the cold. Your metabolism is cranking; your body is running at peak. Your mind is sharp and your movements are graceful. You lose excess weight easily. Your sleep is refreshing. You crave nutritious food and pure water.
You also feel passionately engaged in your life. You feel you have the power and strength to meet any challenge. You enjoy your work, your family, your hobbies and your spiritual pursuits. Life is a lot of fun.
Because we live in a time when most people compartmentalize their physical health, mental health and spiritual progress, it can be hard to beleive that sweeping changes in all areas can arise from a single practice.
However, yoga is deeply holistic. That means teacher and serious practitioners must root out the mental habit of putting things in boxes. In the view of yoga, every level of existence conditions every other level. There is no "mental health," "physical health." There is just one "health," which is supported by cultivating inner fire.
A lot of the techniques we do in our classes are the same ones that have worked for countless people over countless generations.
The challenge we face in our time is this: Each of us has to let go of the limiting beliefs we've inherited; find confidence in a new, greatly expanded sense of personal possibilities; and devote ourselves to making possibility a reality.
If you do a consistent dedicated yoga practice you will experience the inner fire just as I and many others have. Good Luck!