Yoga Journal #13

December 12, 2021

Yoga Journal #13

Yoga is not a religion but in religion. That is what makes yoga so universal because people of different faiths can still practice yoga. Therefore, yoga can be taught as a spiritual practice if the practitioner seeks spirituality. Although many westerners turn to yoga for fitness and wellness, many seek spirituality. Essentially, those seeking spirituality are searching for something more beyond the material world, whether they believe in a god or not. 

Spirituality can mean different things to different people because it is personal to the practitioner. It is difficult to define because it is dependent on the practitioner's experience and journey.  Some people associate spirituality with the spirit or soul. So some see seeking spirituality to become one with God, or one's the higher self. 

Spirituality can be expressed in yoga practice spaces by any means. Yogas spaces are treated as sacred, postural rituals, and prayers are also used to enhance the practice. Some rituals of my own include playing nature sounds, using aromatherapy, and maintaining a clean space that makes it sacred. I have been consistent in practicing at least once a week, sometimes twice if I had the extra time, but the setup for the practice made that much more meaningful.