When I attended my first yoga teacher training decades ago, I was intrigued by what my teacher said one day. He declared, “Yoga asanas are just a small part of a yoga practice. How you treat others is also part of your practice.” I have never forgotten those words even though most of the others have tumbled over the waterfall of memories and have long since headed down the river!
As I look out into the world today, I am struck by how important this part of my practice has become. The words echo in my mind as I pass strangers on the street and smile and wish them a good day instead of looking away. They flash into my brain as I think of leaving my shopping cart beside my car in the lot, but instead return it to the far-away cart holder to not cause extra work for another. They remind me often to hold my tongue when something unkind comes into my mind in a moment of anger or frustration.
Our practice keeps our bodies healthy and strong, but it also teaches us of our sacred connection to one another and reminds us to honor the light within each being, even when it is hard to do.
Let’s honor the light in all beings and send our own light out as a beacon of peace and goodwill. The world needs us.
Leslie Gordon Yoga 