Sounds great doesn’t it? In spite of all the self-imposed road blocks we set up for ourselves, deep down, we all want to grow. So how do we grow? How does Yoga help us expand our consciousness? First, it is helpful to know that the primary impediment to real inner growth is judgement. Not the kind of judgment that tells you what to wear in the morning and when to cross the street, but any form of judgment that separates or condemns. True Self is who you are–so rather than try to attain what is already a given, its much easier to identify and remove the roadblocks to true Self. As Rumi said “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
Your yoga practice is the perfect opportunity to expand your consciousness through nonjudgmental awareness. It is a gift to yourself. Without judgment, practice becoming the kind observer. Notice the differences around you, but don’t make them real. Notice the awkward nature of a yoga pose, but stay playful inside. Notice the thoughts that distract you and seem to take your peace away, but don’t judge them as right or wrong–good or bad. Distracting thoughts are only as strong as the judgement that upholds them. Go past judgment and be wholly guided. Now…watch your consciousness expand! Watch your life unfold in ways you never imagined. Just stay out of the way.
