Dilema - Which Yoga 4 Life

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Mukunda,

I was introduced to Yoga two years ago. My lessons were in Hatha, Raja, Vinyassa, Ashtanga and Iyengar. And I am sure there are merits to each practice and the principles they utilize.

One year into my practice I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer - had an emergency massectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation treatments. During that time, I continued my Yoga practice – working through physical and mental challenges/pain!

I am in a much stronger, content place now and am ready to attempt to focus my practice and would like direction on which one could have the most benefit for the developmental stage that I am at (Physically & Mentally).

Physically my body has adapted well and allows me to continually push forward to new limits, within the poses I am able to do. Also, challenging myself to attempt those I can’t currently accomplish. I have, at least established the connection between my mind and body and have had some success with it. (I will share the details if specific quantifiable results would help in your assessment).

I have also begun an appreciation of all that is. Meaning, I realize I am no more or less significant than anything that was created. I have been blessed with moments of (for lack of a better explanation) communication with animals and most recently dragon flies.

I am working through the loss of love through a painful divorce while battling the cancer. Learning that through the adversity there are so many rewards. Trying to share what I have learned in any way possible – as others have been great inspirations to me in my own growth and evolution.

For almost two years I have been celibate. I have came to realize that in this season, even though at first I was resentful & fearful, comes great joy and oneness! For the first time in my life I have begun exploring my relationship with “self,” learning to love myself has allowed me to begin understanding how to love others.

I would like to know, if you have any thoughts regarding what Yoga Practice could further enhance my growth in my spiritual walk, as well as the physical and mental benefits.

– namaste and blessings

#2

Dear deZengo,

Thank you for sharing your story! It is a great and inspiring example how yoga can help us deal with the ever changing material world, where all things have a beginning and an end (e.g the end of a relationship) or dealing with a disease.

“Yoga is known from Yoga” Keep practicing. When choosing a yoga style, that is right for you right now, follow your heart. Try different styles and choose the one that connects most with you most, that brings you joy.

There are yoga styles focusing on yoga therapy. I can only talk about the style I am practicing: Iyengar. The Iyengar’s have a Yoga Hospital in Pune, India, where people get a prescription of asanas for certain ailments. This could be anything: from backpain, cancer to AIDS. That’s just one example of yoga therapy, I am sure there are many.

Also, have you tried Pranayama? Pranayama is another great technique for your spiritual journey!

I also enjoy going to yoga lectures held by local yoga teachers, where you can learn about yoga scriptures (e.g the yoga sutras) and discuss the interpretations with other yoga enthusiasts.

Well, those are a few thoughts on how to advance on your yoga path. I only touched on the surface - let me know, if you want to go deeper into any particular topic.

Also, can you elaborate on your communication with the dragon fly? That sounds fascinating!

Love and Light.
Nani

#3

Nani,

I spent a few minutes looking up Pranayama. Meaning / significance. This is when I realize what a child I really am in my Yoga practice. I do not always know the correct word/s but something continues to guide me into the right direction. I believe I have already mentioned having various exposures in the beginning. My friend, guide and eventual yoga instructor exposed me to Steve Ross who is on Exhale (Oxygen Channel). Then exposure to Rodney Yee, Seane Corn + others. At the time I did not really understand the differences or the importance of understanding the differences.

Currently, I try to listen to my inner voice and follow what I am told or what feels right. I find I enjoy incorporating pieces of many different yoga practices. But, the breathing is essential – I understood that before I had read anything about how essential the breath is. I am thankful, that my inner guide is there - because the past year I have not had much human contact or interaction. In protecting my body against additional diseases or colds, my family and few friends were my contact with the world. The internet was not an option till just recently. Now I must test and question my internal manifesto.

Again, thank you for your input and thoughts. I realized the assistance that others provide can save countless hours, days, lifetimes in my personal journey. I had an “ah ha” moment with my mother (who is also my friend & guide & student), regarding my visualization of our life path. I tend to understand easier when I can “see” the answer. In any case, my point I want to express is that I believe I can learn from all life and feel, almost an urgency, to learn everything I can – as well as share that which I have been witness to and learned / experienced.

Funny you mention the Dragon Fly adventures. Much of my moments embracing solitude, doing yoga, meditating was on a hill on my mother’s property. I have always been intrigued by dragon flies - for their sheer astetics. They are playful and graceful and I do believe incredibly intelligent - although I do not care, other than to point out my observation. It felt like they would watch and often interact when I was listening to music and dancing. Several regulars would sit with me on another rock and just watch me for a noticeable amount of time. They nod their heads in different directions and I attempted to mimmick out of respect for the attempt. I did not know exactly what if any thoughts they had, but I felt overwhelming connected to the entire universe. Another time, I was riding our lawn mower and a Dragon Fly landed on my shoulder and my passenger stayed aboard till other more pressing issues called. I felt very lucky and flattered to have had such an opportunity.

I will continue my exploration and look forward to reading & learning more from each of you.