One With Integrity, Through Yoga
in·teg·ri·ty ~ /inˈte'grədē/ ~ noun
Webster's first definition of integrity: "a focus on the quality of being honest and fair; firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." Some often coin the term as simply "doing what's right when no one's looking."
I want to turn your attention to another, less prominent definition that shows up second in the search results. One that rings truer in the sense of connection with ourselves and in the empowerment of others. That is, "the state of being whole and undivided."
The practice of yoga embodies this state of being "whole" and "undivided." You know this if you've ever practiced yoga, especailly if you've been in a particularly enlightening class and truly felt yourself become one--mind, body and soul.
Patanjali, a great sage from centuries ago, outlined and codified a map of yoga sutras to outline essential advice for daily living. According to Patanjali's sutras, yoga is comprised of an eight-fold path. The first two stages--yama and niyama--are where yoga's teachings on ethical living lie. Both are referred to in the yoga sanskrit as living in integrity and are meant to be seen as the beginning and end of the spiritual path.
"Yama," meaning restraint or something to avoid, entails five teachings ( in non-sanskrit, English terms): Nonviolence, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Moderation and Non-attachment.
"Niyama" means observance or something to cultivate. In other words, the ways we relate with ourselves. Internal and external cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study of the "self" and surrendering our actions to the Lord.
According to Swami Kripalu, renowned master yogi from the early 20th century, choosing one of these paths to focus intensively on, one at a time, leads to awareness. Then to acceptance.Then finally to adjustment. Then we see growth.
So how do we use this practice of yoga and awareness to empower those around us? How are we going to take this call to action, through the beautiful and inviting practice of yoga, to be unapologetic about ourselves and our lives?
You become unapologetic when you cultivate a balance of self-observation and self-acceptance. When you use practices of yoga and meditation, you strive to become present in the moment and receive a clearer and truer view of yourself. When you are able to observe yourself while accepting yourself, fully, as you are in that moment. That is unapologetic.
The way to make the world a better place is through individual efforts to build character, treat others lovingly and serve humanity. Essentially, empowerment through the practice.
You don't just practice integrity; you do Yoga with integrity; you do life with integrity; you become one with integrity; You actually live inside integrity.
Not just becoming one, as in a person, with integrity. Rather truly becoming one, as in a whole, with integrity. Embodying intergrity. Or, maybe more visually, "IN-BODY-ING" integrity. Dedicate your practice of yoga and meditation to this integrity, this empowerment. Then, watch as the growth flourishes through every part of your being.
Xx
Mackenzie
