Yoga is Everything, and So Are You by Lexie Wolf
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.
The Door of Mindfulness…
Meditation and breath awareness help quiet the mind, steady the nervous system, and create space for expanded consciousness. Yoga Sutra 1.2 reads “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” For those who want to practice seated meditation, we offer a monthly meditation workshop and access to free livestreamed morning meditations. Practices such as Yin Yoga and our Sound Ceremonies also encourage a meditative state while the body is still. Developing presence and focus is a core component of any yogic practice, and you’ll find it at the heart of all our movement classes, too.
The Door of Breath and Energy….
Some are drawn to the energetic aspects of yoga—working with the subtle body through breath. The subtle body refers to the energetic part of us—made up of breath, sensation, emotion, and life force—that we can’t see, but often feel. The layers of the subtle body form the bridge between our physical body and our deeper awareness. Our monthly Elemental Breathwork workshop offers a deep, movement-free practice centered on conscious breathing. Kundalini and Kriya Yoga work with the subtle body by combining breath, movement, and sound to shift energy and open awareness. Yoga Nidra, also offered monthly, gently activates and balances pranamaya kosha (the energy/breath body) and manomaya kosha (the mental-emotional body), both of which are aspects of the subtle body.
The Door of Movement….
This is the most familiar door for many in the West. Asana—the physical postures—is a powerful entry point. It teaches us to inhabit our bodies with awareness. At our studio, all movement classes are infused with mindfulness and intention, and many include breathwork and spiritual presence, too.
The Door of the Sacred…
This is the heart-centered path—what yoga calls Bhakti, the yoga of love and devotion. But “devotion” doesn’t always land for everyone. Think of this door as an invitation to connect with something larger than yourself: through music, gratitude, ritual, or presence. For some, it’s singing and chanting at our Kirtan or Songs of Devotion events. For others, it’s lighting a candle at the solstice, taking part in a ritual during our Women’s Circle, or simply pausing to feel awe in nature. These practices soften the boundaries of the self and open space for wonder, connection, and meaning. However you define the sacred, this path is about tending that spark.
The Door of Wisdom and Inquiry…
Yoga is very much a tradition of study, reflection, and self-inquiry. Book groups, teacher training, and some of our workshops create opportunities for introspection and dialogue. For those who connect through ideas and shared conversation, this path offers depth and insight. Our yoga teacher training appeals to those who want to go deep into the wisdom of yoga. We’d like to develop more workshops for those interested in study and inquiry.
The Door of Service…
Seva, or selfless service, is a natural extension of yoga practice. As we become more present and connected, our sense of care for others tends to grow. Service doesn’t have to be grand—it might mean helping a neighbor, showing up for a friend, or taking part in community action. Yoga helps us grow the compassion that makes service feel more like a response than a duty. We explore this path as a community in small ways like our Haw River Cleanup, and I’d love to do more here, too. I also know that the members of this community are actively engaged in service in so many ways.
Remember, yoga isn’t meant to be broken into parts like this—quite the opposite. But it can be helpful to notice which doors resonate the most with you, and which ones you might be curious to explore. We are layered, multidimensional beings, and yoga offers a layered, multidimensional path toward wholeness.
Whatever door brought you here, I invite you to stay curious about the others. Most of our offerings contain a blend of these approaches. Yoga is a path of integration. The more we include, the more whole we feel.
Wherever your path leads, I love it when our paths cross and we get to walk together for a while.
