Is there such a thing as an advanced Yogi?
By Kerry Turner
A beginner’s mind.
Every time you step onto your mat, every time you interact with someone, every time you head into the world and take a deep breath is an opportunity to practice, and opportunity to let go and to open your mind to the possibilities.
It doesn’t matter if you have never practiced Yoga before, or if you are a longtime practioner, once you take a step onto your mat it is a new experience. With a beginners mind you have no expectation, you can be open to whatever the experience provides you. The longer I have been practicing Yoga, the more humble I become.
There is so much depth in yoga because as humans we have so many layers, the journey of self-discovery, the journey within is endless.
On your mat you could be in the most beautiful pose, but if your mind is competitive, gripping or judgemental are you really “in” the pose or are you just doing gymnastics, performing the pose? Most of what we do in yoga happens internally, therefore, can you ever be advanced? And if so, who is the judge of whether or not you are advanced?
How about we are all beginners, and we will always be beginners, because every time we reach a new milestone, whether we touch our toes, or finally trust ourselves to let go in savasana, there is always something else to explore, to play with, to dabble in. Because every time we come to our mats we are in a different space, mentally, physically and emotionally. We are never the same from one practice to the next, from one day to the next, from one moment to the next. Therefore we are always evolving, always changing, even on the subtle layers.
Let your practice unfold, resist the temptation to be “good” at yoga, and allow yourself the space to simply be. It is within that space that exists inner peace, clarity, and self-awareness or svadyaya. Allow the time on your mat to cultivate awareness, and with that awareness begin to let go some of the blocks, veils or duksha’s that limit our growth and development.
Be a beginner, with an open mind and open heart, smile at your wobbles and your imperfections, and let your practice unfold organically every time you step onto your mat, and into your world.
Kerry Turner is a 200 hour registered Yoga Teacher currently teaching all levels of Vinyasa Flow Yoga classes in the Greater Trail area. Kerry finds her greatest joys and inspiration come from spending time with her two black labs in the beautiful Kootenays’ outdoor playground.
