The word ‘Yoga‘ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. We can go on to say that yoga means unifying what seems to be opposite – body and mind, inner and outer, head and heart. When we synchronize breath and movement in our regular practice, we build our capacity to be present and we literally change our brain in the direction of wellbeing and compassion. In other words, yoga moves us toward wholeness, intelligence and healing at all levels of our being.
Our practice helps us realize our human potential by linking our mind and our heart, helping us be the best we can be and more wholly and truly ourselves. Yoga cultivates what is good and true in us, and can give us the strength and balance to share that with others. Our practice encourages us to blossom…. just like a flower in the sun, shining the gifts of its unique beauty to the world.
At the Maui Yoga Shala we are blessed to be transmitting the wisdom teachings of yoga in our teacher trainings. It is so fulfilling to know that as our students become teachers themselves, they will go out into the world to inspire, support and encourage others on this path of union, and in their own unique way, shine the light of love and aloha to all they encounter.