I volunteered for a school trip to the zoo, and in my group were 5 boisterous boys. They bounced, hopped, ran and jumped excitedly from one animal to the next, so excited they were to see as much as they could. When we got to Stingray Bay, they changed. One look into the tank full of stingrays and sharks (which they could pet, I might add) and the boys were different. Their little hands reached in gently to touch the animals as they swam by and their excited voices explained each experience to anyone who would listen. They stood still, rooted by this unique experience, remaining captivated by the opportunity to share this moment with these incredible animals.
I have often wondered what the huge attraction is with yoga. Now don't get me wrong, I love yoga - and as a long time yogini, I believe in it's power and effectiveness - especially in cleansing the spiritual and emotional being. But, why, on earth - do we pay for the opportunity to lay on an uncomfortable mat with a bunch of strangers?
I suspect it because we seek an opportunity to be still. To be present, without distraction, and to enjoy that exact second in time. To record it, and store it up for when life becomes hectic and overwhelming, as it too often does. Those boys at the zoo still have the skills that are born into us all - to stop everything, and just enjoy. They went from 110mph to stillness - without guilt - only true, in the moment, don't want to miss a thing enjoyment.
That's why we go to yoga - to be in stillness - to be forced to look within ourselves, to be present, and to bathe in the quiet, in the studio, and eventually as we become more practised, in our heads.
Breathe deep. Close your eyes. Be grateful for the life you have. And try not to be so busy that you miss it.
Namaste!
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