Yoga offers a complete system of spiritual development, whether you are conscious of a spiritual practice or not, on some level it is innately there when you step on the mat. The more conscious you are of the different parts of this system however, the more in depth and profound your spiritual journey can be.
Within the 8 Limbs of Yoga, which is the foundation of spiritual journey of yoga, is the 2nd limb ‘Niyamas’, or self-observations. And within the Niyamas is Swadhyaya or the study of oneself. It is through these ‘self-observations’ or exploring the study of oneself, that we learn about ourselves. This study can easily begin through our practice and we first observe on the mat will eventually translate into life off the mat.
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. ~ The Bhagavad Gita
There are several approaches we can take in our self-observation, including meditation, journaling, a range of therapies or simply taking with family and friends. In fact, our interactions with those around us, and our reactions to situations, can tell us a lot about ourselves.
It is through our awareness of the way we interact that we can discern the type of person we want to be or truly are. How much of the way we react or interact is based on the influence of those around us? How often do we act to please or because of expectation, rather than being our true selves.
Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. ~ Brene Brown
Authenticity, or being genuine, is not always the easiest path to follow. It may require us to really look deep within ourselves to discovery the type of person we truly want to be. Through self-observation we may need to take a hard look at how we present ourselves and then evaluate whether these two areas align.
Whilst we may have to change certain behaviours, patterns or habits to move in the direction we ultimately want to go, we also need to discern the intention behind our path. What actions move you in the direction of the person you want to be, versus moving in the direction you think you should be, or are expected to be. Will changing those patterns make you a better person, or more likeable, or make you happy?
BE AUTHENTIC – Create a life that feels good on the inside. Not one that just looks good on the outside.
The path to authenticity is not easy, but it’s worth the journey. Kula’s founder Kacey wrote a blog on her top tips to leading an authentic life:
I believe in spending your time enjoying relationships and activities that genuinely satisfy your needs and emotions. You know deep down what feels good for your soul – and what doesn’t. Explore the things that make you smile, get you excited and bring out the best in you. Be true to you.
“Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are.” ~ Jason Crandell
Throughout the year we are encouraging our community to explore positive affirmations or ‘powers’ to support your journey on and off the mat. This month we urge you to seek our inner power to live an authentic life.
‘Authenticity’ is your power.
How are you going to explore living with authenticity this month? Perhaps set yourself up with a positive affirmation or mantra. This could be one for the month or a different positive statement each week or day. We just encourage you to keep it consistently on the theme of ‘Authenticity’. An example is ‘I keep discovering new ways of honoring myself and expressing myself.’
Explore and create your own.
We look forward to seeing you on the mat this month where our teachers will weave our theme of ‘authenticity is my power’ into their classes and teachings.
Sweat, stretch & smile!
Team Kula
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Strengthen, energise, release & thrive with Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow and Yin Yoga classes at our beautiful studios in Hawthorn & Hampton, in Boroondara and Bayside Melbourne.
Our studios also host regular yoga workshops, Victorian weekend yoga retreats, and overseas retreats to exotic places like Bali, Thailand & India. We also offer as a mobile yoga programs for community, school and corporate groups.
Our Hawthorn studio caters to the surrounding suburbs of Camberwell, Kew, Canterbury, Glen Iris, Richmond, Balwyn & Surrey Hills.
Our Hampton studio covers the Bayside communities of Brighton, Sandringham, Black Rock, Beaumaris, Highett, Moorabbin & Bentleigh.
Enjoy our Intro Offer ~ 6 Classes for $50 ~ for newcomers to the studio, valid for 3 weeks from first use.
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