As Jonathan and Maddie head back to school, I’m inspired to create some learning opportunities of my own.   One way I do that is by reading – books about the body, books about creativity, books about mindfulness, and of course, books about yoga. 

The Yoga Sutras always provide great opportunities to deepen my connection to the yoga practice.  So, as we start this new school year, a new beginning of sorts, it feels like the right time to begin again with the very first sutra: ATHA YOGANUSASANAM:  Now the instruction of yoga begins; Now the practice of yoga is shared. 

What I’m drawn to is the “NOW” aspect of this teaching.  It’s a simple and lovely invitation to begin as you are, where you are, right now…in this present moment.  We don’t have to wait for the stars to align, for all the “right” circumstances to arise, for our bodies and minds to be ready. Rather, we bring ourselves, with our busy schedules, our agitated minds, our tight hamstrings, our tender hearts, as fully as we can to the mat.  The instruction of “NOW” allows for us to be messy, to be wonderfully imperfect and to still show up, with all of that.  It allows for us to be in our truth of that particular moment in time.  Talk about being present with yourself! 

And this teaching need not be limited or solely applied to Yoga. 

Our asana practice, our breathing practices, our meditation practices all bring us into the NOW.  They help us become more present – not just for the time we are on the mat, but for the times off the mat.  We build these “mindfulness muscles” so that we can be more present, more in the NOW at our work, with our families, doing our favorite hobbies, doing our least favorite chores.

So NOW we begin.

What do you want to begin today?  To practice yoga?  To make healthier choices in your life? To sleep more? To be kinder or more patient? To volunteer or take some other action?  What do you want to do today to make your life, your world as you envision.  You don’t have to wait until tomorrow – you can begin today, right now…

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