Sometimes, as Shiva would say, life comes up. I've been intending to update the blog for over a week, but more recently, it was difficult to find the time to sit down and write. I'm hoping I'll be able to find more time now so I can update the True Yoga Blog more often. I've been growing through some pretty major changes, as I'm sure we all have in our own way. It's interesting how our Yoga practice naturally purifies our life (tapas) of our unhealthy relationships to anything and anyone so we can have more time to invest our energy where it needs to be invested, in that which is going to serve and strengthen, not only us, but everyone around us. Each one of us is a microcosm of the macrocosm and the first place to look, when seeking to awaken positive changes in our life, is within our very own Self.

Gandhi said it best...Be the change you wish to see in the world. So, that's what I've been practicing being. And, it is a practice, we are not supposed to be perfect at it. It requires a lot of love, compassion and forgiveness of ourself and others along the way, but it's an enriching journey, indeed.

This weekend I had an amazing opportunity. A fellow Yogi friend of mine and I drove up to Norman, Oklahoma to study with one of the most developed Yoga practitioners in our country, Andrew Eppler. (pictured above) I was just browsing around on his website and found this passage which he wrote about Ashtanga Yoga, which is his primary practice. I love what he has to say, it speaks to what I was just writing about in the beginning of this post...

"What is the purpose of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga? An Indian teacher might say something like "To unite common soul with super soul." The wisdom of Sri Pattabhi Jois's statement "Do your practice and all is coming" always makes me smile. It is difficult to argue with these kinds of statements, but for the Western mind they do leave some room to wonder.

Not all, but most people in the west discover yoga through the practice of asana or yoga postures. The yogic practices work quickly to make a person feel better. Kept up for any length of time Ashtanga Yoga will produce dramatic results in our bodies. After this there is a natural curiosity that leads us to look further into yoga. At this stage most people begin to read some of the classical literature about yoga and perhaps experiment with meditation and the various sitting practices. What does it mean to stop the fluctuations of the mind? Is this the same thing as contemplating one's navel??? Maybe!

From my own experience, and from lengthy discussion with my teachers and students, I have concluded that it means creating an internal, mental and emotional environment that is happy and stable. This can only be done by taking a deep look into our selves, our lives, and our position in life. We have to determine what sort of views we are going to hold on life and the nature of the world, and what we want. No small task! Whatever grasp we have on these big questions, it will be challenged. But with no grasp at all, it is not possible to be on a firm foundation that does not fluctuate. That means we have to work on it. We have to cultivate our views on life and think deeply.

By practicing the various yogic disciplines we can develop a stronger, more stable nervous system. We can also gain a more integrated, well thought out view of ourselves and what we want to do. Things are certain to happen in life that none of us are prepared for. In these moments we can see exactly what sort of spiritual practice we really have, and how much of it was only an idea. Efforts to create health and vitality in the body help us in ways that at first may be too subtle to perceive, but later this becomes very clear. Time spent improving our physical health, in meditation reflecting on ones feelings and impressions, controlling the unstable nature of the mind by cultivating the ability to concentrate- all of these things together can greatly improve our mental health and inner stability. Asana practice creates physiological changes which make the deeper, internal practices more accessible. With this vehicle we can reach the other stages.

I have noticed that my teachers are all very strong people emotionally and psychologically. These are the people that I have admired the most in my life. They are not easily upset or thrown off balance. They are capable of controlling their emotions, yet at the same time humbly acknowledge that they are as human as anyone else, and maybe more so. Their lives are no less challenging than anyone else's. But they draw inner strength from their practice and meet life's challenges with courage, humor and a calm, gracious dignity. This inner composure is what I believe the scriptures are referring to as "controlling the fluctuations of the mind." It is not easily won and cannot be faked. At least not for very long! That sort of strength takes many years and a lot of life experience to develop.

The way the world looks through our eyes has everything to do with how we are looking. The way the world responds to us and to our actions has to do with how we approach things, what we carry with us, and what our intentions are. Physical illnesses, negative thoughts like guilt, sadness, self pity and the results of our negative actions follow us around and darken our presence. This has a bad effect on everything and attracts misfortune. The effects of our positive thoughts, our practice, our joy, and efforts to evolve ourselves will shine through and have positive affects not only on us but everyone and everything around us as well. This balance of positive and negative thoughts, as well as actions, shapes the internal environment that we live in. It determines how we feel and what we attract to ourselves.

When a person realizes this, not as a concept from a book, but as a personal conviction, it creates a great shift of interest. We start to wake up. We realize and become certain of the fact that what is going on inside of us creates what is happening outside of us, and not the other way around. The stronger, brighter and clearer we are, the better everything gets and the more fun life is. This leads us away from the material pursuits and toward inner work and simplicity. Kindness, humbleness and compassion emerge. These are the mark of a true spiritual aspirant.

Money, possessions, fame, prestige, recognition, influence- all of these things may be enjoyed by us. However, if they are seen as the true goal in life then we miss the point and lose our way. Detachment, simplicity and inner peace go out the window as we reflect on our desire for material things and our discontentment with the present circumstance. Insecurity, greed and manipulation are sure to develop. All the teachings agree on this. Those sought after things will come and go as fate may determine, and according to our magnetism, or ability to attract them. The strength, stability and radiance inside each of us create this magnetic force that acts upon the world around us. To understand and make efforts to increase that inner strength is to become a yogi. It requires discipline and dedication. Then a hidden power and grace emanate from that personality. This has a positive and very powerful influence on the surroundings of that individual. Not every one can see that brightness right away, but it acts as a concrete force of nature none the less. Other spiritual people from all traditions can recognize it immediately.

Life can be so beautiful if we cultivate the beauty. Yoga is a true effort to cultivate that beauty. In spite of our faults and failings, if we are making efforts to improve, then at least we know we are on the path. We live in difficult and intense times where mental health and inner peace are at an all time low. I believe these ancient practices offer a path to healing and happiness for anyone who has the strength to practice them. OM"

WOW! I love him, but I love him even more now. What a teacher! My journey to visit him was truly magical. He has been practicing Yoga on a daily basis for 24 years, since the age of 14. I had the opportunity to stay with him at his hOMe, as well, and it was an incredible experience. And, he also did Magic tricks right in front of me, which were awesome. He is truly mystical. I hope each one of you has the opportunity to cross paths with Andrew Eppler sometime along the way on your journey of Yoga. I'll be back to write more soon. I also want to share about the incredible Thai Massage experience I had, it was the best bodywork I have ever received, and I have received many wonderful treatments. This beautiful couple will be coming to Dallas to offer and share their healing massages sometime in the near future, when a group of us is ready to receive it. I'll be back soon...

Enjoy the magical and mysterious unfolding of your day.

Om shanti!

p.s.-And, he did that pose in the pic...it was amazing!
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