Each of us collect a lot of experience in our lives, and learn our own bodies and minds. Each experience impacts our thoughts, actions, and opinions, and at times it can be difficult to let go of our own deep sense of right and wrong, helpful and harmful, when we talk to others about their bodies and minds. Kino is being publicly harpooned as an example of harmful asana practice leading to injury, but honestly, no one knows for sure whether that is the case.
The Inner Beauty Shop turned the light on, making me self-aware in a completely new way. Once awareness is piqued, it cannot be easily buried, and in this case, awareness breeds discernment. I alone am responsible for the way I feel about myself and speak to myself, and the way I feel about myself informs the way I speak, behave, and treat others.
Living our yoga has to be more than saying “namaste” and drinking green smoothies while we pay lip service to loving everyone. How can we expect shifts to happen in our communities and in our world if we cannot own up to our own insecurities and ego-driven behaviors? Every one of us is human and experiences the full range of emotion, but in yoga we are taught to be aware of our emotions and accountable for how we behave in response to those emotions.
During the holiday season—and let’s face it, throughout the year as well—stress can outweigh our joy to the point where even copious amounts of pie and carols fail to lift our spirits. Depression is not shameful, and does not indicate weakness or frailness, but it is conditional, and help is available.
