The Philosophy of Yoga: Beyond the Mat

We all share a common pool of energy. When we practice yoga, we regulate our own energy, and this harmony ripples out to our family, community, and the world.

The end of a year is a great time to set your *sankalpa*, or intention. Yoga opens communication channels within your entire being, helping you find harmony and navigate life with clarity.

Indian mythology is rich with stories that illuminate our practice. Here is the tale of how Hanuman, in his devotion to his guru Surya the sun god, is said to have created the Surya Namaskara sequence.

If you are too close to a mountain, you cannot see its height. Similarly, in yoga, if we get stuck on perfecting the pose, we miss the experience of using the practice to understand who we are.

We start each class with a personal *sankalpa* and end by offering the energy we've created to the world. This practice connects us to a larger purpose, making us feel part of a collective effort to make the world better.

*Svastha*, or balance, is key. A balanced body leads to a balanced breath. Proper asana practice prepares you for pranayama, allowing you to move from the gross action of breathing to the subtle flow of energy.

The ancient scriptures say "as is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm." Yoga is an exploration of the infinite universe within you, a process of refining your own being to create a better world.

Using yoga only for health is like using a nuclear bomb to dig a well. The practice is a powerful *sadhana* that takes you beyond physical health toward true happiness.

This year's International Yoga Day theme is 'Self and Society'. We believe that by refining ourselves through practice, we gain the energy and space to be more present for others and make the world a better place.