Notes on Freedom

On Independence Day, I'm thinking about freedom, and the courage and perseverance it takes to find it. To me, Yoga is essentially about freedom -- in order to really know that we are all expressions of One Source, we must learn to transcend any and all conditioning that keeps us from that realization, that keeps us bound in our thinking, feeling and self-identification. In physical practice, we experience the muscles that just don't want to let go or the balancing pose that feels way beyond our reach -- even as our teachers tell us that if we persevere, all things are possible. In my world it often feels equally overwhelming, as I struggle to overcome the samskaras, or deep conditioned grooves that come from family patterns and socialization. Yet I do persevere, because as I continue down the path, my spirit keeps calling. Each time I allow it to come through the sense of freedom is exhilarating and inspiring. We always have choices about how much we can handle, and there is no time frame -- this is our life's journey. Have faith, have courage. Find the freedom to be You.