Yoga is Life practice, the word Yoga means “to join”, “to come together”, or better yet the word comes from the Sanskrit root word “Yuj” which means to “yoke” or to “join”. Yoga is about Union. We must remember that performing asanas (yoga poses) is just one branch on the Tree of practice. As we develop our relationship to the Earth and Others through asana practice, our bodies become more attuned to the bigger picture.

Practice is always changing, we are always evolving in our lives. We must stay fresh, alert, and aware. Look for the signs of evolution, don’t get stuck in ruts, keep moving. Don’t stay in uniformity, at a certain point asana practice can become nothing more than body cherishing, as the 13th century text The Hath Yoga Pradipika reminds us, it doesn’t serve us as practitioners to get stuck in ruts, it just creates more vasanas (mental grooves) that are hard to get out of. Once a teaching is practiced and perfected, move on, keep climbing. The goal is Samadhi (Union, Ecstasy, Bliss) not Siddhi (Magical powers that are byproducts of practice, they are often hindrances on the path). Remember practice will become more refined as you travel on, it’s not about remaining in the classroom, on the mat all of the time. This is a luxury that not all of us have, in fact it’s necessary in the beginning to establish discipline, but after awhile like every bird it’s time to jump the nest and fly.

Practice imitates life, practice is life. The old Zen saying of “taking you’re practice from the mountains into the market place” is profound, this is what I’m talking about. It’s a Grand Illusion and a paradox that there is a separate time for practice, and the rest of the day and night is not practice. It’s true that we can “take to practice”, setting aside some time each day to sharpen and forge our bodies and minds, but ultimately practice has to become a 24hr. a day affair. In Good Faith…

Practice is great, sitting quietly, observing the mind. We keep going through different phases in our lives when regimented practice (ie. yoga, vipassana, etc) are very beneficial, and as you already know the Path of Practice is not a linear approach. When everyday life becomes the practice, things seem to loosen up a bit. Try it.

Sit on the edge of a quiet river bank, or any nice space in or near nature that you enjoy visiting. Brew yourself up a cup of tea. Breath in and Out, observe the motion of the breath, are they short movements, or long? Just watch. Just be there, practicing neither coming nor going, try to bask in that special moment. Be happy for what you have, practice gratitude. This is life practice. You don’t need any special props, clothing, or gear to do this. Being Mindful doesn’t cost anything. There is a time for activity and a time for inactivity in life. Just be prepared for the changes… The Tea helps, trust me! You can even make a practice out of drinking tea, I have, it’s glorious.

Just Brew you’re tea, take time to enjoy it, and watch the rising and falling fluctuations of the mind, it’s no different than the steam rising off a cup in the morning air. Remember practice should be enjoyable, yet disciplined, but don’t force yourself and take your time… We’ll be here waiting.