What is yoga, really? (The deeper meaning you're not learning in yoga class)
“It’s so much more than I expected!”
Yes! Yoga is way more than most people think. In modern times, the word “yoga” has been overtaken to mean a 60-minute class on a mat in expensive leggings. That's why students often are surprised when transformation comes from the deeper yoga practices offered in my Yoga Teacher Trainings.
Yoga is a spiritual practice that connects us to our true nature and teaches us how to live joyfully.
When we explore yoga in this full, all-encompassing context, we find it’s much more a sacred way of living life than a group fitness class.
WHAT WE EXPLORE IN DEEP YOGA PRACTICE
The nature of the self
Who am I? Do I have a soul? Do I believe in God? Yoga doesn't hand you answers, it leads you inward, and helps you determine your own meaning.
Calming your thoughts
All the ancient techniques of yoga — meditation, mantra, breathwork — are designed to free us from racing thoughts and bring us into clarity.
Purity and care for the body
This is where postures come in. We explore the self within the confines of our physical body, so we learn asana to keep bones, muscles, joints, and glands healthy. We also explore diet and Ayurvedic cleansing practices.
Neuroplasticity
When we have power over our thoughts, we're no longer trapped in the same loops and emotional responses. We can literally rewire our brains.
Energy
We experience how yogic practices channel energy for healing and self-realization. We don't need scientific studies to prove this — though Harvard Medical has plenty on meditation benefits — we can simply practice and notice the shifts ourselves.
How could you possibly fit all of this in a 60-minute yoga class?
You might hear great yoga teachers touch on these topics in class, but it takes more time and dedicated practice to explore them fully. That's exactly why a foundational certification takes a minimum of 200 hours.
Curious to go deeper? Join Me For Yoga Teacher Training.
Yoga Teacher Training is not just for aspiring teachers, it’s for anyone who wants to explore these deeper layers of practicing yoga. I offer 13-day yoga immersions in Sayulita, Mexico and Costa Dulce, Nicaragua.
Why Yoga Immersion? Participating in a yoga immersion (in Sayulita, Nicaragua or other dreamy destinations!) offers a retreat from your everyday life to reset and create new habits and routines. With dedication to these ancient powerful practices daily—breath work, meditation, chanting, movement, it only takes a few days to feel big shifts.
More ways to deepen your Yoga practice
MEDITATE
Cultivating a daily meditation practice is a great way to advance your yoga practice. If you’re new to meditation, check out my 100’s of guided meditation tracks on Aura to get you started.
WORK 1:1 WITH ME
If you’re ready to deepen your practice by exploring yoga philosophy and meditation, we can also work 1:1 together. I’ll lead you through discussion of yogic principles and we can explore techniques of meditation and breath work. Schedule a session.
If you like my recommendations, it supports my blog and is good karma for you if you purchase from my provided Amazon affiliate links in this article. Thank you! ☕️
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Hi, I’m Chel!
Thanks for visiting my blog on eco-living, eco-Airbnb hosting, wellbeing and travel!
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My ABSOLUTE FAVE yoga mats:
The Manduka Black Mat Pro yoga mat is what I took to my first yoga teacher training, that I still use 15 years later! This is my home-use yoga mat! Honestly, love it!
If you are on-the-go, this lighter version is just as amazing. This is the mat I take to all my yoga classes!
