Meditation Matters
January 13, 2017
The Overlooked Importance of Gratitude
February 21, 2017
It is as simple as closing your eyes and taking ten breaths a few times a day.The space you create re-connects you to your purpose.
My physical sacred space is located in the center of my living room.
There is enough space to roll out a mat and work at the wall if necessary. It is quiet, full of light, and safe. I use my space when there is no one awake or at home to limit distractions and to keep my space private.
I have an altar that is constantly evolving. There are mostly small murtis (or diety statutes), some sentimental rocks and small keep-sakes that remind me of people and places that I hold dear to my heart.
Why is it important?
Ultimately, if there is a goal of yoga, it is freedom and liberation from the trappings of ego, attachment and ignorance.
This doesn’t just happen by will or by taking a yoga class twice a week. This is attained by a dedicated daily personal practice or sacred space. If you are a committed practitioner and student of yoga, then a sacred space is imperative. It is the groundwork of a dedicated personal practice.
If you do not make sacred space daily, I would question your intention as a teacher or practitioner of yoga.
It is one thing to go to group classes and be guided through an experience. It is another to become the master painter of your own personal experience.
Sacred space is the place you do your personal work. This can have a different flavor depending on what you need that day or time of your life. It depends. Sacred space lays the strong foundation of you becoming your only and best teacher.
If you do not know where to start or think you don't have time to dedicate to creating sacred space, I would suggest taking 5 minutes a day to sit and breathe. This will strengthen your ability to sit and pretty soon, you will be able to sit for 20 minutes, and then an hour. You can create new positive habits by slowing down and replacing the old, perhaps negative, habits.
So Evan. Do tell...
What do you love to do? What ignites you?
I love to seek and discover every single day. Learning ignites me and I never grow tired of it, on the contrary it is my biggest source of inspiration.
Personal "Why" - Why do you do what you do?
I have never thought of “why?” That is not to say that I have never doubted my path as a teacher. However, I have never questioned why I practice yoga. It is what connects me to the best version of myself. I feel this so I know it to be true.
Words of wisdom - If you had one message to share, what would that message be?
Have compassion for yourself. It spares a lot of time and energy.
