Let’s Begin with a Quick Flashback…
Occasionally, I reflect on the days when I was undergoing intense chemotherapy to overcome Leukemia circa 2010. As I sat in the hospital bed overnight, or watched the chemo drip into my IV during outpatient treatments, I would envision a version of myself that would come back happier, stronger, and more improved than ever before.
I continue to express gratitude for those difficult times. Even through the darkest moments, I found the ability to shift my mind towards who, where, and how I wanted to BE. As I opened myself to opportunities, they came. In the fall of 2011, during my freshman year at West Chester University, Yoga found me. The practice became so much more than physical alignment. I was fully immersed in BEcoming my best self through Yoga. Thanks to my mentor, Alison Donley, I was able to integrate the deeper meaning of Yogic philosophies by completing a 200-hour Ashtanga Teacher Training. This commitment expanded the most authentic version of myself that I was searching for.
Alison Donley<3
Fast Forward 11 Years…
Two years ago, I realized I had developed a poor growth mindset towards expanding my best self in new, meaningful ways. I wasn’t committing to a daily inward practice to stay grounded. I was distant from my authentic Yogic way of BEing. I avoided situations that made me uncomfortable, like recording podcasts, writing, or creating video content for my business. My interest in expanding my mind through reading or listening was non-existent. If someone recommended a book, I resisted. This led me onto a journey of growth, knowledge, and education from sources I least expected.
We Have Reached the #HERE and N:OW
Much of my self-expansion has been fueled by spiritual development. Over the past two years, I’ve learned to connect more deeply with my body, heart, mind, and soul. Practices like breathwork, psychedelics, meditation, cold exposure, daily affirmations, and openness to connecting with others played significant roles. However, all these practices trace back to what I learned during my Yogic teachings. My manifestation for 2025 is to integrate the practice that feels true to my authentic self: the Yogic way of BEing.
Time for a Two-for-One: Books and Yoga!
To start this year, I revisited two books that changed my life during my Yoga Teacher Training:
- The Mantram Handbook by Eknath Easwaran
- The Bhagavad Gita (interpreted by Eknath Easwaran)
My calling to the Gita was based on a few key concepts:
- Discovering spiritual understanding and life purpose: The Gita is a guide rooted in the oldest spiritual texts, the Vedas (developed around 4,000+ B.C.). It predates other spiritual scriptures like the Bible, Quran, Tao Te Ching, and Torah.
- Analyzing commonalities: The Gita aligns with the core wisdom found in other scriptures, emphasizing inner wisdom and connection over external control.
- Revisiting wisdom with a fresh perspective: I wanted to re-engage with this complex guide 14 years after first encountering it.
- Rediscovering the true meaning of Yoga: Through the Gita’s wisdom, I aimed to deepen my understanding of Yoga’s essence.
The Deeper Meaning…
Yogic philosophy and Hinduism represent some of the oldest forms of self-growth and spiritual development. Developed during a period of reconnection with self, source (G.O.D.), and life (circa 12,000-3,000 B.C.), the philosophy aimed to align humanity with higher consciousness.
Over the past 4-5,000 years, the essence of Yoga has evolved. Western culture often materializes and lowers the frequency of Yoga, focusing on physical aspects like sweating, flexibility, and appearance. While not inherently bad, this approach misses the true intention of Yoga.
The Truth of Yoga in One Paragraph…
The path of Yoga aligns the physical body with the soul (higher/true self) and source (infinite intelligence/G.O.D.). This begins with moral ethics and positive daily practices (Yamas & Niyamas), evolves into breath (Pranayama) and movement (Asanas), and progresses to aligning energy centers. From here, we transition from the physical to the spiritual plane (Pratyahara), meditate on our higher self (Dharana & Dhyana), and ultimately experience love in all things (Samadhi).
Simplified Understanding:
Yoga is a way of BEing. It’s the realization that we are more than matter. We are eternal energy, designed to serve ourselves, others, and all life. This is the essence of the Bhagavad Gita: pure understanding of our human duties without corruption or fluff.
MFP Education Center 
Leave a comment