I was talking with a fellow yogi today and, about my job, said “well, it’s not yoga, but it’s good for now…” He reminded me that everything can be yoga. He’s right. As a yogi, if I’m doing it, it’s yoga—all that’s required from me is the right intention and mindfulness such as I would bring to my practice on the mat.
During a practice in a class I begin by setting an intention for that practice and then keep ever-mindful of my body, breath, and mind during the practice. Is my big toe grounded to the floor? Is my head on straight? Is my breath even and deliberate? Am I using the sound of the Ujjayi breath to help keep my focus? Am I present or does my mind wander?
Why would that be any different at my job? I can set the intention to be a productive worker today. I can remain mindful of my posture in front of my computer. I can take the time to stretch at my desk when the mouse gets the better of me. I can remember to breathe and drink water. I can be present and not daydream…
As a yogi, I can make it my responsibility to extend my practice into my daily affairs. If I treat life as yoga, yoga continues to grow as my life. Sitting here in “sitting-at-the-computer-asana” or “filing-user-guides-asana”, I can be just as aware of my posture, breath, and intention as I am in Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) or during Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation). The choice—as always—is up to me.
Sometimes this is easier said than done—but I suppose that is why we call it our Yoga Practice and not our Yoga Perfect. Today, I choose to set an intention of grateful action and spiritual mindfulness. Today I choose to focus on the solution to my spiritual condition. Today, I continue to practice yoga in all of my affairs.
If I’m doing it, it’s yoga…
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