Who am I? | Yoga Balance Blog

Who am I?

By Tracy • March 2, 2009

Yoga is a journey in self discovery.  With practice  Abhyasa (the Sanskrit word meaning practice) in making decisions on the basis of what will bring greater tranquility and peace leading to deeper self-realization through the cultivation of lifestyle, speech, actions and thought is how we answer the question- “Who am I?”.

Yoga Sutra 1.14-  When practice is done for a long time, without interruption and with sincere devotion the desired state of tranquility and peace become firmly rooted, stable and create a solid foundation.

This yoga practice takes devoted time and understanding.  At a recent training I attend with Manorama she suggested spending time with ourselves and falling in love with the details while continuing to move toward the moments that have an authentic feeling of auspiciousness.  ”Meditation is like dating yourself”-Manorama.  In the beginning most people do not like seated meditation.  Many of us come to love the practice but this is usually after many moments of discomfort physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually  (probably the same discomforts one might experience in dating another).  Walking meditation, is a great option for those of us with busy minds that can’t be forced to come to a complete halt in seated meditation.  I certainly believe this yoga practice is a beautiful path to loving kindness, joy, compassion, freedom and self realization.  ” Yoga is a state where we are missing nothing-” Shri Brahmanands Sarasvati.  As a teacher, mother, friend, sister, daughter it is my hope to start from the highest good within myself and others and reach higher.  I have recently been reminded that many people do not want to ask the question “Who am I?” It is not for me to judge why and I am learning to let them  go down their paths with greater ease but it is not a choice for me on the yoga path.  Practice Abhyasa is at the root of yoga and although I am constantly reminded of my humanness I have also found freedom and peace on the journey.  Superficial relationships have become difficult if not impossible for me.  As with dating oneself or another it takes lots of time and you go slowly but with this devotion to understand oneself and others the opening to loving kindness, joy, peace and freedom continues to expand.

I am grateful for the yoga practice!