I’ve only been doing some yoga-based sessions and learning about yoga for 3-4 months.
I feel like I’m already being transformed.
I feel healthier than I’ve been in years and years. In body, mind and spirit.
I feel that I’m already reaching some level of inner peace.
Yesterday, I mentioned the inner peace to someone and she basically told me that it’s way too soon, I don’t really even know what it is yet, and that I’m just pretending that I feel it.
Input welcome.
Speaking frankly I try and stay away from the lilt of phrases like “inner peace”. I don’t discuss it in that way (perhaps semantics) nor do I focus on such a thing in my own practice or in my teaching of others.
I think its definition is far too broad (and therefore each person hears something completely different when the word is used) and it has become a buzz word used for marketing.
In fact it is far more likely that an efficacious yoga practice will stir up latent, unprocessed emotions. They could be emotions of joy but could equally be emotions of sadness, fear, or anger.
Serenity, calm, bliss, a quieter mind…these things come in layers. And as practitioners of yoga I assure you the Universe is listening. Just when you start to say how peaceful you are the Universe will likely send a test your way. For this reason I merely advocate the experience of the practice whatever it may be. Some are calmed. Others energized. Neither is enlightenment.
Pragmatically speaking, it is quite possible to feel effects from three months of asana practice, depending of course on the teacher, the practice, the frequency, the commitment, the desire to grow, the diet, sleep, et al. It is, as always, a compound formula.
my opinions/beliefs,
you have not been practising yogo for 3-4 months, you have been practing it your whole life. Doing unhealthy breathing, postures, eating bad, partaking in mentally violent things etc… are all part of yoga. When you get to the point where you realize these things do not suit your life, it is possible to make a very fast change. Some people may grow up practicing “yoga” and may hold some resentment because they dont truly feel in their heart why they are doing what they are doing and they may suppress desires and thus create an internal conflict, internal resentment that may not allow them to let go. Letting go is imho probably the biggest step in yoga. So the faster you can let go the faster you can free yourself of your sufferings. There is no timetables. A seed ruptures from the inside and in doing so can blast away layer upon layer when it comes out. A yoga teacher, a friend, etc… may tell you “it takes many years to reach enlightenment/peace etc…” They may say this to protect themselves because htey have practiced for many years and therefore others cannot expand faster then them.
I believe there is a reason jesus said “there are those who see but do not see, and there are those who hear but do not hear” For if you truly understand the teachings your life may be changed in one instant, forever. I have had a moment where all the sudden my relationship with my father changed, in just one moment. It was before studying all this yoga stuff. It was one moment of clarity that cannot be taken away. I believe enightenment is much the same as the moment I had, just on a larger scale encompasing many more aspects of life.
as buhda said “he is able who thinks he is able” The mind may doubt, but the heart believes, follow your heart and flower form the inside while watching the layers fall away.
with love,
I am love, I am peace, I am joy, I breathe freely, I am greatful to the teachers and I am of the one, the same one as you
I am neil
Hi,
It is a matter of perception and in this case who’s perception. No one can tell you what inner peace should constitute of for you, only you will be able to accurately value that.
Yoga in general creates a feeling of calm, serenity, peace etc and which ever you experience, that is for you to decide. My advise, enjoy whatever comes your way, the nice experiences as well as the challenges, they all add to your spiritual journey and tapestry. 
[QUOTE=dkl;13096]
Yesterday, I mentioned the inner peace to someone and she basically told me that it’s way too soon, I don’t really even know what it is yet, and that I’m just pretending that I feel it. [/QUOTE]I say…good luck to you! Keep it up. 
When this question arises in consciousness, most of the times the right answer is, that, yes, I probably fool myself. At least this is so in my experience.
I am a master of self decepetion ! 
The effects of yoga begin immediately. Depending on how in tune you are to your own body these effects may be felt immediately or it may take some time. If you are feeling “something” and it feels wonderful… GREAT! ENJOY! Your yoga experiences are yours and yours alone. I am happy for you! And … as a teacher I have had many new students come up to me after class … even after the first class… and say, “I feel wonderful, calm, serene. I haven’t felt like this in a long time.”
People who try to negate your experience, I have to wonder where they are coming from or going to. Maybe they haven’t had that “feeling” yet and are jealous. I find myself avoiding those individuals who “pull down” instead of “raise up” … something to think about.
Peace!
Great reply Cathy!