architecture alchemy

Yoga is science of the soul: the path to knowing self, presence and unity. Asana (postures) are portals to Yoga and their sequencing interweaves all 8 petals of the practice (ashtanga): Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi (ethics, observations, posture, breath, withdrawal of senses, concentration, meditation and union/bliss).

Like any building, the foundation matters most and we build a stable practice from the ground up. Showing up with the beginner’s mind: knowing we know nothing, is the key.

For all we know and understand as humans, there’s so much we don’t know. The oceans of earth remain mainly a mystery, we don’t understand how or why we’re here, who created us, whether we are alone in the universe, what happens when we die, and so on. We act as if time is infinite and we are invincible, we believe in the stories we are told: those of money, value and what is important. Yet, how many of us can really sit in silence and be comfortable with self. How many of us truly are living a life that fulfills us?

We begin our journey with nothing - yet everything. And we will leave our journey with nothing - yet everything.

The art of turning mediocre to magic lies in being able to sit with self in silence and feel content with what we see. The most important relationship we will ever have is the one with self. Here is the person we spend our eternity with.

Yoga is a method of building a practice that will sustain us through all our moments. One that teaches us the power of presence, of truth, authenticity and the value of be-ing rather than do-ing.

To begin building the practice, one needs to remember that consistency is key. 5 minutes of practice every day is more valuable than a 2-hour practice once a fortnight. It is said that one must practice for 3 consistent years before really becoming a yogi/ni.

Each time we roll out the mat or prepare a place for practice, we need to empty the space within. We should be non-judgmental, kind, willing to let go, explore and observe each moment. These elements help shape the practice.

A yogi/ni’s life is measured in breaths (not years) and every practice helps shift our energy, supporting the act of consciously living, determining whether we achieve enlightenment and true presence in this lifetime or the next or the next and so on.

True alchemy occurs when the practice ripples beyond the edges of our mat. When we carry the lessons we learnt into the wider world through thoughtful words and actions.

Movement and breath act as prayer and dedication. All we need do is show up and listen with our inner ear. Eventually, the thinking mind quietens and we move into feeling and being, only to arrive at savasana with a clean slate.

We can shift the ordinary to the extraordinary, the mundane to gold, only when we can allow and invite alchemy to happen.