Yoga is Yoking

Yoga

The meaning of the Sanskrit word yoga is "yoking" or "connecting." Yoga is basically a state of interconnectedness, where we exist in everything and everything exists in us. In our asanas, we take the shape of a fish, boat, tree, dog, and/or cat (etc) to feel more deeply connected with all of the life around us. These poses urge us to dissolve the separation derived from ego, along with fear, isolation, and cynicism. Oh heavens, we are ONE.

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The Philosophy of Yoga

The Philosophy of Yoga
Yoga originates from the sanskrit word "yuj" to "yoke" or join together, to unite, or to connect.  The implication is bringing ourselves back to balance.
The word "yuj" can also be translated as "to center one's thoughts," to concentrate on oneself or to "meditate deeply."
While yoga unites the mind, body, breath, and spirit in harmony, it can also disunite.  Polarities (yin/yang) are always apparent.  The disunion is when the spirit seeks to separate from the physical body, temporarily, to seek knowledge, growth, and bliss.  The yogic practice of cleansing, physical exercise, meditation, and concentration all yoke the mind, body, and spirit.  With persistence, "self-realization" is achieved.
Yoga awakens the connection to our source, while seeking balance and a deeper sense of self.  We become aware of our raw goodness and raw purity.  Self-awareness and self-love is key.  We cannot love others nor spread love into the world without a deep veneration for the self.  We must love ourselves for who we are and who we are meant to be.  From there, we shed our separateness and become ONE with all beings. Yoga loves and includes all beings regardless of size, color, class, religion, nationality, political outlooks, etc.  Our connectedness reveals our authentic selves.
In stillness, we are able to trust our intuition, our inner guidance.
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