Mindfulness Theories & Practices #9 – 12 Years A Yogi
During the first week of February 2004, I officially started practicing a form of Hatha Yoga, formerly known as “Bikram Yoga.” During my 12 years of practice, among many, many insights, I’ve come to experience how my physical body is a gateway to my subtle and causal bodies. Also, I’ve been able to “experientially fact check” several key “yogic claims” based on engaging in regular practice: my “whole nervous system does get revitalized time and time again;” my body does enjoy “health and more energy,” even during times when I’m sick or injured, and even as I deal with all “the joys of aging;” my mind does constantly get rested and freed “from the burdens of experience;” my body/mind does enter into stillness, and I do abide from to time in a “peace that passeth all understanding;” my perception does get “restored to its primal freshness;” and my thoughts and action do tend towards greater authenticity and coherency. After 12 years of practice, I approach this form of Hatha Yoga as an exercise, health, and fitness routine; as a therapeutic modality; as a meditative and spiritual activity; and as a source of empowerment to live more fully “off the yoga mat” and “outside of the hot yoga studio.” And I’m looking forward to at least 12 more years of practice.