“Patanjali tells us that wholeness exists within us. Our work is to chisel away at everything that is not essence, not Self.” — Judith Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

To find our true self is the work of yoga practice, and to be our best！I knew from a young age that to pretend to be someone that I am not is harder than to be myself. The problem is, I am not sure when I was taught to be someone I am not, in order to meet the expectations of society, family or my own ego.

”Patanjali uses yoga to mean a state of wholeness as well as the practices associated with this state. And when you are in a state of yoga, or wholeness, you rest in your own true nature. ” —Judith Lasater, “Living your Yoga – Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life“

For many years, I did yoga with Mokshapriya, I only knew it felt good to do yoga. I stretched, strengthen my body, got better sleep, got healthier, and had less stress. It was the best escape from my everyday hectic stressful life, and I got a good workout too.

In 2014, I heard that Mokshapriya would retire soon and I really made an effort to prepare myself to attend her yoga teacher training program, with the expectation that I will get better with my Asanas or poses. I was in for a huge surprise, my life changed ever since！I was reborned！ I discovered a way to live a better life, balancing body, mind and spirit.

Mokshapriya inspired us to practice Yoga As A Way of Life！In 3 months, we were trained on asanas, anatomy, and the yoga sutra！Different aspects of my life came together. I became aware of why things were going wrong in my life, how I can take charge, and make a change. I am so grateful, and no words can express my gratitude and respect for Mokshapriya！She has mountain loads of knowledge and wisdom, not only in yoga, but also life, and spiritual practice！I am also humbled to meet and learn more yoga from different yogi, and yoginess, and I am inspired that many more will join us on this path.

I have been writing blogs only for the last few months, but I found it is very difficult to go beyond the Asana aspects, because most people can relate to the physical aspect of yoga, it is backed by well studied scientific research and anatomy publications. The mind and spiritual aspects are harder to demonstrate. Like anatomy, mindfulness is now also supported by research with proven results. Spiritual is personal, and depending on where on the path you are, the right teacher will show up for you. It also requires the guruji or good interpretation of Patanjali‘s text in modern world application, which will also require the students to be ready to believe in their guruji.

My own journey started with the physical need of relief for my back pain, then I discovered it helps me to be more relaxed and relieve stress. Now it is not only physical asana practice, but a way to seek personal growth with meditation and spiritual growth. As Mokshpriya always said, it does not matter how you get started, “Just Do It”, and you will surely get the benefit.