Translation: Furthermore, this [practice] is firmly anchored when it is thoroughly nourished by regularity and endurance, perseverance, positive actions, and intense enthusiasm.
I fell in love with ashtanga yoga in 2005. At the time, I had left a relationship. I knew that I wanted my life to take a new direction, but I didn’t have words for what I was searching for. My yoga journey had started. From the very first time I stood on my mat in bare feet, I knew that this practice would help me. Help me unravel and heal all the stories inside of me that were blocking me from life. I remember the first time I tried Mysore style. It felt scary. Like plunging into deepwaters. I quickly learned that my body and mind was capable of much more than I thought – and gave myself credit for.
Mysore practice is for the courageous and curious. A path with endless physical and mental blocks and barriers. It can go on for days, weeks, months, years and – what feels like – lifetimes. Even though my practice has been on and off during the years, I kept going. Maintaining a regular practice has taught me to liberate myself. Liberate myself from things that were no longer serving me. Whether it was relationships, work, habits or stories.
Every yoga journey is different. Because – every person is different. I can not tell you how your yoga path would be like. The only thing I can say is that you need to be patient and stay open. You don’t go on the mat to have a good time. You go on the mat to have a better relationship with yourself. To be true to yourself. To love yourself. To be more forgiving and accepting towards yourself. To be kind and patient with yourself. It is hard work.
This practice has taught me to listen to my heart and stay open. To welcome whateverobstacle I meet in life with humbleness and calm. And over a long time of continuous practice, it has taught me to transform my old stories to something new and light.