“The yogic journey guides us from our periphery, the body, to the center of our being, the soul. The aim is to integrate the various layers, so the inner divinity shines out as through clear glass.” – BKS Iyengar
Daily I am witness to clients, friends, patients who live mostly in their head. The connection to their body varies from a sketch of a path, to a total disconnect. Having been in this place myself, I am empathetic.
What can be gained by the connection? Often my clients will initially see the way as a path full of pain as they reconnect with difficult memories and traumas. But there is more there than the pain or remembering. I love the moment when my client or yoga student or patient discovers the wisdom that is there too!
It is our wisdom, not some higher authority that may or may not grant access to our inner universe. It is ours to access whenever we need it. The more time I spend on my mat the more I am rewarded with the connection to my own deep pool of guidance. As life catches me and whirls me away in the business of daily life, I am drawn back to my mat, the quiet place where the connection I have to this inner knowing is heard the strongest.
How is it possible to spend much of life being unaware of this vast resource? We have all learned not to trust. Watching children and puppies (my two favorites) it is clear how in touch they are with what they need. I often think of the journey back to self as reconnecting with that part of me that was sure. The return to self is a profound mission upon which trust and compassion for self is required.
I love watching new clients and students unwrap the gift of discovery, then trust, and finally know what is true for them.
Elizabeth is a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist/ Educator and Phoenix Rising Yoga Teacher practicing in CT Atman.pryt@gmail.com elizabethwyatt-pryt.blogspot.com