A Brush with Yoga

Written by Giscard Nazon

 

I recently stumbled upon an article by a longtime casual yoga practitioner who left the practice after becoming disillusioned with what she felt yoga had become. She had decided that yoga was not for her anymore. She evidently considered the situation unredeemable. It was an interesting read and made me think of those stuck with unfulfilled promises in the pursuit of an elusive wellness. I could relate to her feelings of disillusionment.

I will admit that I know nothing about yoga, not even a pose or mantra. As I searched for articles about yoga, one titled “What are the Benefits of Yoga?” caught my attention.  The article made several scientifically supported claims. But I’m having a tough time with “safe and effective” science these days. (Fortunately, there may not be trade secrets or other interests that some want to protect in connection with yoga—I don’t know—but I welcome transparency on that subject.)

The physical benefits make it tempting to try yoga because I sense an increased urgency to remain in control of my body after too much sitting over the past few years, which has affected me in unexpected ways. I mean, I have been working in a sitting position most of the time, and not exercising my legs enough. That hasn’t turned out so well. I found myself battling a physical weakness I did not see coming. Thankfully, the worst of it is behind me, and having a diagnosis has been empowering.

Photo by Fabio Comparelli on Unsplash.

But yoga, regardless of why it is pursued, is not separated from its spiritual aspects, and for that reason, there may not be a path forward for yoga for those who consider it incompatible with their beliefs. This isn’t a lesson on the spirituality of yoga; rather, I aim to highlight how all reside in a state of spiritual bankruptcy, one that cannot be cured through yoga. One may, through practicing yoga, receive a boost in his or her sense of harmony with the metaphysical world surrounding our experience as humans. Still, such boosts will always be needed, which tells a compelling story of inefficacy and hard-to-grasp unsafety to those who have ears to hear it.

Eleven years ago, I had an uplifting encounter. It was not a boost toward any heightened sensation. On the contrary, it was a massively humbling experience—nothing good for my self-esteem. I realized who I was (this was not a “self-realization”). My perception of being a “good person” was challenged. Sin was the problem in my life; it was even ruling over it. Sin is the antithesis of all that is conducive to spiritual life, communion with God, and harmony with his creation. I realized I needed to change course. This led to my coming to the knowledge of the truth. I felt like a deflated balloon that the world had stepped on in more ways than could be fathomed. I was also troubled to recognize how the choices I made had led to my own destruction. It was in this position of contriteness that I experienced a sense of clarity and honesty about the state I was in, and this led to me finding and eating the “bread of life,” which suddenly infused me with true spiritual life. Having a pure heart became something I identified with due to a cleansing I didn’t know I needed. My self-worth was also established in a non-egocentric way. Jesus said to me, “Peace be upon you.” And I was filled, having henceforth no intention of being deflated again.

October 25th, 2023