Lessons From A Yogi

One of the many benefits of staying at our tree house hotel in Nicaragua was the free daily yoga. And what comes along with free yoga? Well, free yogi advice of course. Every instructor has their own attitude towards the practice and this one really took the time to explain why we do certain things in yoga. Below are some gems she shared with the class:

1.) Om is the sound of life

We begin life open to all possibilities and make a resounding "ahhh" sound. Then as we move through the middle part of our lives we try to drag it out as long as possible. This is represented by the "oooooo" sound. Finally, when it is our time, our mouths close and we end the cycle of life. Making the sound "mmmmm" at the end of the mantra is representative of the final moment in this journey.

2.) A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step

This particular comment resonated with me because I tend to have problems of over thinking the future and worrying to much. When I do this, I tend to get overwhelmed. It doesn't make sense to worry about the road ahead as much, just focus on the first step in front of you. 

3.) Savasana or corpse pose is the most difficult one in yoga

Now, I know this might seem strange at first. How can simply laying on your back be harder than a head stand or tree pose? Yoga is not just about working your body, but your mind as well. Laying still without sleeping and calming your thoughts is more "work" than physically straining a muscle. If you can master your mind then your body will follow.