I’ve mentioned before that I practice Bikram Yoga and how that style of yoga is suitable to my personality than most other types.  It’s a little more hardcore and a bit less focused on the spiritual but the spiritual element is still there.  There is no chanting or singing but there is definitely a focus on mind/body connection.  However, that being said, I think in this cynical world sometimes we need some more spiritual, more happy, more positive thinking.  Less greed, less back-stabbing, less name calling, less dog-eat-dog.

During yoga class earlier this week I could imagine how most people attending the class for the first time would react to some of the common themes in any yoga class.  For instance, at the end of every class, the instructor says, “Namaste”.  And the students respond, “Namaste”.  It means “I bow to you” — sometimes interpreted as “the good in me recognizes the good in you”.  I can imagine them rolling their eyes during certain inspirational thoughts expressed by the instructor.  Or thinking that in general (especially Bikram Yoga) is completely nuts.

With regular practice though, you begin to appreciate the finer details of what it really is meant to do.  Strip away focus from the outer world and bring that focus onto yourself.  There are very few places where can you focus solely on YOU without guilt or regret.  Where your leader will encourage you push yourself but only to the point where you are without pain.  Where you can stop thinking so darn much and just follow the instructions as they register within your ear then your brain.

My yoga class is my refuge from my own worry and doubt, from scrutinizing peers or family and when the class is over, sometimes from physical pain.  I sincerely hope each of you has someplace you can call your refuge from the cynical, cold world.  Somewhere you can be you without fear or judgment.   And I hope you can find the time to create some positive in your own life and maybe, just maybe, if we all create some positive, it will become contagious.