Yoga teaches us a plethora of things that go far beyond our time in the asanas. Each breath, each branch, each bandha, helps us dive deeper into our conscious being. Each layer is designed to peel us down to our core; our center. It helps us touch the stillness; it helps us remember that in our center, we are all one. Each of us can be lead down a path through yoga that helps us see the beauty on our path.
I was lead down a very beautiful path full of very beautiful people when I came to yoga school. I had been asking for peace, a way to take care of myself, and a life that was closer to nature….I found this in yoga. The amount of joy that I gave myself through teacher training is unparalleled. So, when presented with the opportunity to give back to our community through the SEVA project, I could only think of what may match an unmatchable experience. All I could think of is raising money to help someone find see their path through yoga.
One very important lesson I proceeded to obtain through my training was release from expectations and trust the process. This lesson was most definitely intertwined with my project. When I was first inspired with this assignment, I was sitting with my manger talking about yoga. As I ranted and raved, I saw her light up in a way that I had not seen before, and all I could think was, “She needs to go to yoga school!” I still believe this will be a beautiful path for her, but due to her circumstances, she opted to donate the money we raised to a friend. As I mentioned before, I trust the process and believe this will lead exactly where it was supposed to.
Not only did someone receive a chance for a beautiful opportunity, but along the way others received a chance to make a difference. Through teaching donation based classes, I received an opportunity to enhance my abilities to teach yoga, as well as being blessed with the sight of watching a community coming together through self-exploration, creativity, and generosity to help provide a means. My favorite fundraiser was one in which I got to see a different perspective on my family and friends. We all collaborated to produce a silent auction with art that they had created. An ARTion, if you will. It was amazing to see my loved ones produce. That, in itself, was worth all of my work.
As the project came to an end, I realized not only did I help someone reach yoga school, I experienced and saw each limb of yoga. Yama-I explored and practiced universal morality. Niyama- I grew insight on my personal observances and flourished. Asanasa, Pranayama, Pratahara, Dharana, and Samadhi. -I taught and experienced a sacred practice. All of these things have just furthered my understanding and solidified all of the concepts I have chosen to accept, and although this part of my project is complete, I fully intend to continue to help others find the beauty in their path, any way that I can. And that, for me, truly is the essence of yoga.
-Megan Lawrence
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