What Kind Of Student Are You?

Hello and Happy Monday,

I have come to the end of the Yamas and the Niyamas. I can't believe it either. This is my 45th week of writing this blog and if you have been with me from the beginning or joined somewhere along the way- THANK YOU!! Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for providing me this outlet to explore yogic philosophy. There is so much more to yogic philosophy, so I am nowhere near being done with weekly emails. 

The yamas and niyamas are such wonderful tools to remind us what kind of student we want to be. Linda Johnsen, an author on yoga and other aspects of Hinduism, has a quote that I think cumulates what the yamas and niyamas are meant to do. 

"Commitments yoga students are asked to make: Not to harm, lie, steal, overindulge or desire more than you need; instead you are asked to be content, pure, self-disciplined, studious, and devoted." 

And this brings me to this question, What kind of student are you? Not just of yoga, of life? Do you learn from your lessons? Do you see the good in your mistakes? Are you inquisitive? Are you curious? Do you follow rules? Do you break the rules? Are you kind to yourself? Have you used any of the yamas and or niyamas to enhance your life?

There is a saying, "you teach what you need to learn" and each week, the philosophies have been reminders of what I am learning, what I am working on. I am a student of life for life - an inquisitive and curious one, I follow and break the rules, and I'm learning to be patient with myself. Learning to see the lessons in the mistakes, to have compassion when I am not always patient or kind. And to love myself as I love others. A work in progress student for certain.

I know that sometimes I can be critical with myself and practicing kindness toward myself through meditation can help. I have recorded this kindness, compassion, and love visualization meditation for you. Hopefully, it can help you as it has helped me. 

Click Here to access the video. 

With love,
Jess