What is Yoga?

There are many definitions of what yoga is. The word in its classic sense means to "yoke" or to "unite." This could mean uniting the body and the mind or the physical with the spiritual. This is the most common definition when a student is trying to discover what yoga is. But a well respected teacher from not so long ago, offered these definitions that really helped me to expand what yoga can be, helping me to deepen my own practice. He detailed yoga as:

~ " to attain what was previously unattainable" which for us could simply be now being able to touch our toes, when before we couldn't.

~ "yoga is directing our attention to the activity we are engaged in" meaning yoga is about staying focused when we do something, anything, like cooking a glorious pot of soup.

~ "yoga is about being one with the Divine." This is probably one of my favorite definitions and yet can be the most challenging because how often do we engage in anything that allows us to get closer to our Source?

These are just some explanations of yoga to ponder on, but I don't want you to get too heady or overwhelmed by this just yet. No matter where you are on your spiritual path, and you are on one, by the way, yoga is not just a physical exercise we do on a mat. It's that yes, but it's so much more as depicted by these few definitions.

The great thing about it, is it can be anything you want it to be. Yes, we will start with a discipline on a sticky mat, but eventually you can take your practice off the mat. Your yoga can also be when you work in the garden, spend time with your kids, walk your dog, bake bread...anything that helps you feel more expansive and connected to your Source.

My definition of yoga is coming home...when I feel ease in my body and mind and I just feel at peace in my heart. It's happiness...pure and simple.