(inspired by notes from Integrative Yoga Therapy Module 2)
Life is very short. Our time is this incarnation is fleeting. When we die our possessions will mean nothing, All we can take with us from this life is who we are as a person.
And who are we as people? What is our intention for this life? These are things we need to work on and discover on and off the mat. How do we discover? I suggest body maps, morning pages, dream journaling, yoga nidra, meditation, pranayama, asana, intuitive art making, and music,
My intention as a yoga therapist is to heal myself and guide others to their own personal healing through art and yoga. My intention feels very clear to me.
I believe we should not let life push us around like leaves in the wind. Let's make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others. Let is contribute to individual and global healing.
Our life is a reflection of our own healing. One way to approach life is to focus on healing and the intention towards health. Maybe all we really need to do is this life is to heal. Life is in fact a healing journey.
My journey of healing includes healing from rape, molestation, depression, missed opportunities, lost loves, betrayal, false starts, injuries and chronic pain.
When I decided to become a Yoga Therapist I chose this profession to work towards my own personal healing as well as be of assistance in the healing of others.
One definition of a yoga therapist is:
"A yoga therapist receives fair compensation but also cultivates an attitude of selfless service: a vision of healing larger than their own personal goals, wants and needs. Through this vision, the therapist recognizes their contribution to the healing of other beings, as well as, to community of all humanity."
Seva/Selfless service helps us sand off our rough edges. I think it wasn't until I became of service by teaching yoga did my low level depression fall away. Being of use, doing things of meaning is what keeps me loving life.
Because Life is so short we need to spend every moment we can moving towards total health (personal and global). In order to achieve this degree of health we need tremendous compassion in life. This Compassion is not just for others but includes compassion for ourselves.
One of the most compassionate things we have can do in life is our own practice of Yoga. This Yoga with a capital Y includes all 8 limbs - Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.
Another act of compassion is to share Yoga Therapy with those who are interested and not push it on those who are not.
What do I think are the qualities of a Yoga Therapist
1. Ability to Deeply Listen
2. Compassion
3. Selfless Service
4. Therapeutic Application of Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Scripture (Yoga Sutras, Gita, Vedas etc..)
5. Gratitude
6. Presence
7. Patience
8. Sadhana - A Yoga Practice of one's Own
9. Integrity
10. Love
SPHINX - EVEN BETTER IF YOU CROSS YOUR ANKLES AND TURN SIDE TO SIDE LOOKING AT YOUR TAIL BONE
