My first dharma door was backpacking. My second dharma door was yoga. Since then, other dharma doors have opened for me, but I will always recognize the foundation that backpacking and yoga have given my life.
Dharma and yoga can be defined many ways. I often look for the most simple definition. Take a deep breath, be present to the sensations in your body, you are doing yoga. Feel the ground under your feet, notice your relationship to nature and those around you, pay attention, now we are on the field of dharma.
The poem below found me many years ago and it was then that I created the little art piece pictured. If you have been to Dharma Door, you may have seen this poem and perhaps read it. I do not know who wrote the poem. I have added a line at the end. Knowing that we are made of star dust, and seeing another artist's work, inspired my drawing. I like that the poem is written in an egg. Yoga is not limited to the ideas in the poem. As I continually seek more freedom from the fluctuations of my mind and the outdated habits of my body, I revisit this poem, I return to my movement and begin again.
Yoga and You
Yoga begins
with a promise,
and as a promise, yoga holds a vision of the future,
where by skillful practice you can fully realize your gifts and talents.
Yoga promises a future
in which you actively engage in an ongoing process of growth and definition.
This promise is only as good as your commitment.
The secret to yoga
is to honor the promises you make to yourself.
By honoring yourself, you learn to count on yourself.
In this counting, you being to make an account of your life.
We are defined by the choices we make.
Choice is infinite.
Learn to choose to keep your promises to yourself.
Not out of necessity, but because greatness is in you.
Be accountable for your life.
Seek what yoga offers;
the fulfillment of a promise kept,
a perpetual eternal promise,
that continually affirms life.
Yoga beings...with one breath.
Dharma and yoga can be defined many ways. I often look for the most simple definition. Take a deep breath, be present to the sensations in your body, you are doing yoga. Feel the ground under your feet, notice your relationship to nature and those around you, pay attention, now we are on the field of dharma.
The poem below found me many years ago and it was then that I created the little art piece pictured. If you have been to Dharma Door, you may have seen this poem and perhaps read it. I do not know who wrote the poem. I have added a line at the end. Knowing that we are made of star dust, and seeing another artist's work, inspired my drawing. I like that the poem is written in an egg. Yoga is not limited to the ideas in the poem. As I continually seek more freedom from the fluctuations of my mind and the outdated habits of my body, I revisit this poem, I return to my movement and begin again.
Yoga and You
Yoga begins
with a promise,
and as a promise, yoga holds a vision of the future,
where by skillful practice you can fully realize your gifts and talents.
Yoga promises a future
in which you actively engage in an ongoing process of growth and definition.
This promise is only as good as your commitment.
The secret to yoga
is to honor the promises you make to yourself.
By honoring yourself, you learn to count on yourself.
In this counting, you being to make an account of your life.
We are defined by the choices we make.
Choice is infinite.
Learn to choose to keep your promises to yourself.
Not out of necessity, but because greatness is in you.
Be accountable for your life.
Seek what yoga offers;
the fulfillment of a promise kept,
a perpetual eternal promise,
that continually affirms life.
Yoga beings...with one breath.
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