Yoga Reimagined
image shot at Aro Ha, New Zealand
We often think of yoga as a fitness practice – a series of poses and stretches to improve our strength and flexibility. But this is a very limited view of what is a vast body of knowledge and experience that has the potential to totally transform our lives. When we reimagine yoga as a lifestyle rather than just a workout, we unlock its power to shape our entire existence.
At its core, yoga is a philosophy; a way of life that extends far beyond the confines of our 170 x 60cm yoga mats. The physical postures (asanas) are merely one branch of a much larger tree. In its truest sense, yoga informs every moment of our day, from the way we breathe during a stressful meeting at work to how we mindfully prepare and eat our meals.
Take a moment to think about your morning routine. What do you do when you first wake up?
Do you immediately reach for your phone and check your emails, do you struggle out of bed and deal with the needs of the family or maybe you lie in bed worrying about your endless to-do list.
Imagine doing something different.
How would it feel if you began your day with 5 minutes of pranayama (breathwork)? Or maybe step outside, look up at the sky, feel the breeze and savour a moment of awe at the vastness of this universe?
When you make that first cup of tea or coffee, try savouring the smell and the ritual of the process?
These are all small opportunities to bring your yoga practice into your daily life – the practice of being present and aware in everyday moments.
Yoga as a lifestyle can transform our relationships, both with ourselves and others. The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) teaches us to be kind to ourselves, to quiet our inner critic, and extend that compassion to those around us. Satya (truthfulness) reminds us to live authentically, making decisions that align with our values rather than external pressures.
When we start reimagining yoga as a way of life, we begin to see opportunities for practice everywhere. Sitting in traffic is a chance to practice patience and slow breathing. That stressful meeting becomes an invitation to practice being calm amidst chaos. Even clearing the dishes or doing the laundry can be an opportunity to practice being totally present in the moment.
Our yoga mat can be a refuge but it is also a place where we develop the qualities that help us in every aspect of our lives.
This is yoga reimagined: Yoga is a lifelong journey not just a physical practice, it’s a path to living with greater awareness, purpose, and joy.
