Yoga is a whole system, a multidimensional path that mirrors the layered complexity of being human. The word yoga itself means union, and it invites us to explore and welcome all aspects of ourselves, to realize a state of wholeness and harmony within.

People come to yoga from all kinds of different “rooms.” These rooms open into one great house that is Yoga. Once you’ve stepped into one room, consider wandering into a few others. Each one offers a different kind of medicine. Together, they deepen our practice and our understanding.

Most impactful has been drilling deep into the “why.” Yoga was not developed over thousands of years as a tool to sculpt a nice butt (though that may be a nice side effect for some of us). Rather, it is a set of tools to help us refine our state of consciousness. Skillfully applied, these tools have the power to help us be whole, be held, be loved and be love.

While many think of the yogi as someone who sits cross-legged, peaceful and calm, watching the world go by, there is plenty of room for the driven or “type A” personality in yoga. In fact Yoga philosophy tells us that taking skillful action rather than sitting passively by is desirable in most situations. One teacher of mine describes it as a mandate to “act according to the need of the hour.” Then the big trick is to be unattached to the outcome of your actions. Accept whatever happens.