Vibrational Yoga, or any yoga, is accessible to everyone. In fact, it is so very accessible because those who manage to release their habitual drive to succeed and excel, and reach a level of acceptance of themselves, best understand this practical science. The truth is that the results of our efforts are of a secondary importance; in reality, what matters is our state of consciousness. Unfortunately, few practitioners actually recognize yoga’s entire philosophical wealth and advantages, which remain entirely sensible and pragmatic, even 4,000 years after yoga's conception. One of the basic thoughts of yoga asserts that it is essentially non-competitive. To free ourselves from this sense of competition requires a cessation of judgments towards us and certainly towards others. We can find here a fabulous apprenticeship which, when properly understood, will give our exercise period a sense of utter calm and fulfillment. However, the human mind tends to feel the need to be driven, to want to prove to itself that it can push further, that it can do better. We find in yoga a science of life based on a different fundamental attitude. Are we able to simply stretch with softness, with freedom from our tendency to overachieve? Are we able to harmonize with our own breath, and with motion, to maintain a simple posture while remaining in a calm and introspective state of consciousness? If so, we will be bringing a good flow of oxygen into our lungs, our blood, our muscles and even our brain through profound and slow inhalation. This attitude will allow us to fully appreciate the postures, as they are considered perfect, no matter our degree of flexibility. It is possible to stretch softly with a state of total respect for ourselves and for others. To practice this type of fundamental thinking leads us towards a great wisdom, perhaps the most ancient wisdom, the one of true compassion and detachment even towards ourselves, first and foremost, and then naturally towards everyone and all life. Yet, the materialistic rhythm of our society leads us to want to execute, makes us dream of success, of name and fame, of promotions, of respect and of individual power. We are haunted by the results of our actions, whether consciously or subconsciously. Yet this haunting obsession makes us forget one of the most important elements of all: the present moment and the splendor that rests in it. So we catch ourselves running after thoughts, trying to adhere to them, to fill the conditions that our minds impose on us without managing to live in the fullness of the present moment.
Charles Lightwalker is a Metis Shaman, author of "Vibrational Yoga: Sonic Mysticism and Movement," a medical intuitive, and a healer. For more information call Charles at 509-389-7290 or visit the web site: www.thefamilyoflight.com
