Manduka US Site

March 31st, 2011

Inspiration: # Practice Looking Up

By Eka Ekong

I am in the midst of a yoga teacher training in Mexico(before you become envious, know that the weather has been quite cold) Last night, guided by a few artificial lights, my friend and I were walking back to our room, trying to avoid any hazards or wildlife(read: snakes). Something within me said to look up, and when I did I was engulfed in a sky filled with stars. I turned to my companion and said, “Hey, look up!” She didn’t hear me at first, but when she eventually did, we both froze awestruck by the majesty above and around us.

Oftentimes during practice, we can become so focused on an asana we can forget that there is more to us than our body and what we are doing in that moment. When we allow ourselves to expand whether in breath or awareness, we can broaden our inner and outer perspective. By looking up and out we can move deeper inwards, and see what’s true and vibrant inside.

I am #practicing expansion beyond my limitations. What does your Manduka help you #practice?

Here's how some remarkable yogis #practice Oneness:

Kim Puente-" Oneness is the art of being me. Not "mom" not "wife" or "daughter" just me. It is that 90 mins of Oneness that brings me back everyday and makes me a better mom, wife and daughter."

Gabrielle Gervilla-"Wake up in the morning, hop out of bed, sip on some tea, balance on my head. Open the windows, feel the breeze and pose with the trees. Salute the sun, know that we are all one. "

Katrina Hokule'a Ariel- "One Heart Song. Infinite Melodies."

Ozro Hepworth- "1ness to me is seeing the Divine in all things and experiencing all things with-in my True Self. The bubble becoming the Sea."

Kimberly FeLix-" 1ness is realizing I don't control everything. Or anything. Being out of control is ok, #yoga fills the gaps."