What do you see?
A strong, young woman?
What does the picture show?
Someone balancing their body in solitude?
What does this photo represent?
Independence? Solitary flight? Singular focus?
Look closer. There are strings attached.
The chain of friendship links her hands to the mat.
The rope of family tied around her waist lifts her above the ground
The string of teachers that have sewn their way into her mind whisper their words of wisdom as she balances and breathes.
The grace and strength of forces unseen tie an eternal bow around her heart, holding it together even after it has been broken many times.
Look again. She is not alone.
Even if she wanted to be. Even if she segregates herself from everyone on the days where being close is just too much, they still exist within her. Anyone who has ever touched her heart or entered her life, stays in her skin and rests in her soul. She is in constant union with others. She is in constant union with breath, body, and the earth beneath her hands. She is never alone.
Yoga means union. Even in singular practice, we are in constant connection with others.
Always remember, especially on the lonely, hard days; you are never alone.
Always remember, when you lay your mat out, this practice is meant to bring you into deeper connection with yourself. The beautiful irony of it is, the deeper you connect to self, the more you realize you are unified to others.
So practice with strings attached, and let the bonds of love carry you through your life.
(Dedicated to my family. You filled my heart to the brim this past week. You made it impossible for me to deny the fact – I am never alone)
