Our motivation for practicing yoga and meditation may be or appear to be for our own benefit. We have specific areas in our body or in our inner life, concerns that we are “working “ on, or feeling a call to return to balance… and this often brings us to class and to the mat.

Considering that most of us live in a circle of community or within several communities, our actions and speech can and do affect the larger whole. The Gurus of yoga have advised us that in addition to our actions and speech, our thoughts have perhaps a larger impact and the power to affect not just our inner environment but also our outer environment.

The fundamental and highest wisdom teachings of Yoga is AUM (aka. OM). That reality reflects the truth that we are deeply connected. We are a union of individual and absolute; a unified body, mind, heart, and Spirit.

Contemplate dedicating the benefits of your yoga journey, and bringing a person or people into your mind/heart at the culmination of your practice to foster connection and metta (loving kindness) as well as a greater Yoga. Simply acknowledging that as you cultivate your motivation and sincerely “work” on and through your own body and mind to access your natural wisdom and compassion, you will have a positive affect on those in your life.