Yoga, Buddhism & Babies

Namaste, y'all

In my ever-growing journey towards personal fitness, I have taken up a yoga practice, taking classes at the local YMCA, conveniently located about a mile from my house. In the practice of yoga, one learns how to control the breath in order to contort the body into numerous and variable poses. Through the poses, strength (both inner and outer) is both formed and revealed to the practicer. 

But, what has struck me the most about the practice of yoga, is that it really has very little to do with the body and a whole lot more to do with the mind. Through focusing all the brain's energy and capacities toward the breath or the area of the body that is being stretched, the mind is cleared and refreshed, while also being strengthened. 

Buddha

In Western society (especially that of the modern day), there is too much of a disconnect between the workings of the mind and the body. In Eastern philosophy, however, the key to all wisdom, enlightenment, and intelligence lies in the integral connection between body and soul. 

So, this summer, I have decided to research the practice and philosophy of Buddhism and hope to integrate it into my life some how. I also hope to become a certified yoga instructor by the end of my time in college. For it may sound cliche, but yoga is life. 

In yoga, when you conclude that day's practice, you say "namaste" as you bow to the instructor and the other members of your class. The word roughly means "the light in you respects the light in you" connecting not only your mind and body but also connecting these elements to the outside world and the others which inhabit it. 

Charlie at the playground

This summer, I am babysitting my three-year-old cousin Charlie, a very petite, highly energetic boy with strawberry blond hair and a never-ceasing desire to run and play. At first, doing this job was sort of the last thing I wanted to do with my luxurious free days of summer. However, after the first day of spending time with this little guy, I felt an instant connection, what I'm sure now is my maternal instinct. 

My favorite little athlete

I was one of those little girls who was always clinging to a doll, coming up with crazy adventures for it, and, of course, loving it with all my heart and my role as a big sister to Emma (now 16) certainly prepared me for the job. But it wasn't until I had reached the age I am now that I realized that I was truly born to be a mother. 

Seeing Charlie's smile create little dimples in his plump cheeks as I animate one of his stuffed animals into a character or chasing after him with our favorite toy (an orange soccer ball), I am amazed at his capacity for joy and his ability to quickly dribble with the soccer ball although he only stands at less than three feet tall. I feel that truly as Charlie grows and learns with me, I grow and learn with him just as much and that "the light in me honors the light in him."