Am I successful?

"The success of Yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships.” ― T.K.V. Desikachar.

The quote of the week is important to note when we think of how we can define Yoga. I have heard many ways to define Yoga. How I explain Yoga for those who ask is a way of life, a guide that is thousands of years old, coming from Southeast Asia. A guide that shows us ways in which we can live to achieve balance, happiness, and awareness. I know that seems like a simple definition but I find that explaining it in this way allows the asker of the question to dig deeper. The physical part of Yoga, the postures (Asana) is one part of a whole that is Yoga. There are actually 8 limbs of Yoga, ways we can live through Yoga, guiding us on and off the mat.

So what does it mean to be "successful?" In my perspective, that is something that we determine. What does success look like for you in terms of those 8 limbs? Maybe it starts with talking kindly to yourself when you look into the mirror. Maybe it's calling a friend. Maybe you notice when you may gossip, and offer compassion instead. Notice and be patient with the energy you have. Treat your time and energy with respect. Maybe you clean off one counter today or de-clutter a space. Maybe you write down something you are grateful for. Maybe you see if you can challenge yourself and incorporate something for yourself each day for some days in a row. Maybe you physically practice Asana for just a few minutes each day, staying consistent with practice, but being patient and knowing your practice doesn't have to lengthy every single day to be beneficial. Maybe for a moment in your day, you stop and focus on what your breath is doing, how it's moving throughout your body. Maybe you put your phone down a little more. Maybe you look, really look at something, taking in every part of it. Try Meditation, try for balance in any way you may need.

These are all parts of Yoga. It impacts us in each moment of our days. Letting ourselves incorporate Yoga into our lives makes us more compassionate, kind, disciplined, patient, and interconnected. You can determine what success in Yoga looks like for you. I invite you to think about ways that you can, and do live your life in a way that is Yoga.