What Yoga is to Me??
Maintaining Constant awareness of my speech, actions, and thoughts is paramount. My yoga mentor(Dear Saritaji) emphasizes “Head, Heart and Hands “should align. It resonates deeply with me. The seeds of Yoga were planted in my childhood,as a part of school Physical education.At the age of 12 ,I learned yoga alongside my grandfather,who had a teacher visiting home for yoga lessons.and this practice lingered with me on and off.
I pursued Sidha Samadhi Yoga course by Rishi Prabhakarji and Art of Living course in my early twenties. I did those courses but I was not mature enough to understand the real meaning of it.
Upon venturing to this country(USA) at the age 25 for my studies,Yoga took a back seat in amid the challenges of survival and academics.
At the age 35,post marriage and with two children,being a pharmacist ,a sense of emptiness spurred me into action. I discovered our Swadhyay Parivar,delving into the teachings of Bhagvad Geeta.At the same time, I started listening to Osho’s discourses, participated in different meditation techniques,started my yoga classes in the temple and learned about nutrition-Holistic Healing. ThoseYoga classes were authentic and traditional and I seemed to enjoy it.
I was so amazed to see what yoga science can offer to us if we are ready to take it. Since then I fell in love with yoga and decided to teach yoga to my kids as well. So I finished the kids' yoga training. But my thirst continued. I found my yoga mentor-Guru..Ms. Sheri. I finished my adult yoga training and continue different trainings.Now I started to teach Yoga to kids,adults and seniors.This brings tremendous joy and sense of contentment.This journey has been so beautiful. And it will continue as long as I live. I feel like I have found a purpose in my life.
For me Yoga is a sincere practice which includes all 8 limbs of Patanjali yoga sutra. And I know I do fail so many times. But it makes me more aware every time I fall and fail. Sincere practice means I need to have my Asana ,pranayama and meditation practices daily. I need to study the scriptures daily. Being helpful to my family and friends and society. That will be my karma yoga. I could see myself changing slowly. I am able to motivate others to be healthy, to do yoga practice. All the credit goes to this Yoga science, my mentors (Saritaji and Sherri) and my Holistic Healing Guruji(Amar Chandalji) who have helped me walk this path and are still walking with me.
Finally i would end with this:
Sincere Swadhyay is my YOGA.
Find what’s my calling is my YOGA.
When I can do selfless service is my YOGA.
By Ami Shah (Devpriya Yoga - Certified Yoga Instructor for Children and Adults).
Contact Info: ami@devpriyayoga.com
