I have been on a spiritual Journey all of my life. For as long as I can remember I have been seeking the Truth. I have often strayed from the Path of this Journey and found myself in places of joy and immense self-discovery and at other times in painful places I never want to visit again. Even when I strayed though, I always seemed to be presented with Tools that were useful or became useful in my Journey and in the end influenced my direction. That direction always seemed to lead back to the Path.
Funny, or not so funny, thing happened though. I strayed from the Path again and for a time, forgot about my new Tool.
It was a necessary side trip. I had to stoke a fire that had been smoldering in me for quite some time. It was something I had to do. And on this side trip God gave me more Tools that helped me along the way and every now and then brought me back to my Path. For the most part however, I have been until recently well off the beaten Path.
A few weeks ago, I decided that I needed to re-discover Yoga. I don’t know what changed inside me. All I know is that it was time. I can’t really describe what happened inside my mind during and after my “first” practice. All I can say is that some old doors and more importantly, some new doors, opened for me. I suddenly became familiar again with what had previously become my favorite Tool. It was a little rusty, but like riding a bike, I had not forgotten how to use it. And the new doors have already shown me new ways to use the Tool which in turn is leading me down a new Path.
Someone much more wise than I once said there is a Wind that carries each of us in our own way – the Way – through this Life. It’s always blowing, always available to us. Some of us choose to spread our sails and blow with our Wind. Others try to move crosswise with it or push against it. One thing I’ve found on my Path is that the Wind is my friend. The more I go with the flow, the more I find the Tools I need for my Journey. I’ve always felt that everything happens for a reason and that the more I give of myself to the Flow, the more I find it helps me down my Path.
“The yogi never neglects or mortifies the body or the mind, but cherishes both. To him the body is not an impediment to his spiritual liberation nor is it the cause of its fall, but is an instrument of attainment. He seeks a body strong as a thunderbolt, healthy and free from suffering so as to dedicate it in the service of the Lord for which it is intended.” - from “Light on Yoga” by B.K.S. Iyengar
And if I might add, so that he can take full advantage of the Wind that carries him down the Path on his Journey to the Truth.