YOGA NAMASTACY

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HOW YOU THINK

When I began studying under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, founder of the Ashtanga Vinyasa method, I learned a foundational truth: in traditional yoga, agni — the heat that transforms the body — comes from within. It’s cultivated through rhythmic breathing, unwavering focus, and subtle energetic locks (bandhas) that generate warmth from the inside out.
Even in Mysore, India, where Jois taught, practice traditionally began in the cool, pre-dawn hours. The body’s warmth was earned through movement and breath, not given by the thermostat.

I could see he was seeking a deeper answer — one that made sense beyond the poses. Working at a resort, he witnessed countless western guests who, despite having material abundance, often seemed unhappy, stressed, or in conflict. It was clear he wanted to understand more.
I shared with him that many people believe their “home” is their house or their car — something external. But the only true home we ever have is our body.

    • A house can be lost and replaced.
    • A car can be taken and bought again.
    • But our body? It’s the only true home we are given.

To the beginning student of yoga in America it usually starts with getting out of pain in the body, creating strength where the body is weak & flexibility where the body is tight.
There is much more to yoga than twisting your body into a pretzel. Yoga also stretches your mind by asking you to challenge your beliefs about yourself, your body & your consciousness. In doing so yoga creates real and lasting change in the lives of its many practitioners. An added side effect the physical postures produce is shedding unwanted pounds, healing old injuries, detoxifying the body and creating muscular balance. But make no mistake yoga is not an exercise. It is a body awareness technique aimed at liberating your consciousness from old, habitual was of thinking, being and acting. The lean, strong, flexible yoga body is merely a seductive by-product of the work of awakening your consciousness.

Yogi’s have pursued their practice with commitment & devotion for centuries. It’s not a fad or the latest fitness craze. Those who commit themselves to this ancient technique purposefully, intentionally & with passionate devotion know that yoga’s secret & it’s real power doesn’t lie in the youthful vitality & a body free from fear, but in it’s ability to connect to the deepest part of ourselves and create lasting peace.

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