Written by Jodie Rufty
Yoga is not something we DO, Yoga is who we are. Yoga is the natural state of being in harmony with the totality of life. Yoga is ageless and timeless. Yoga does not discriminate nor judge. Yoga is a journey into the magical mystical weaving of our soul and heart.
I’ve been passionate about the deeper dimensions of yoga since I began my practice in 1995. I’ve continued to study Yogic History and Yogic Philosophy with many teachers throughout the years. I am most passionate about what lies beneath the surface.
Patanjali's’ Yoga Sutras, which contains 4 chapters on yoga, mentions Asana in just one sutra. When reading many of the ancient texts on yoga it’s clear Asana (postural practice) as we understand as Modern Day Yoga in the West, seems far from the original intent or primary focus of these practices.
I recently shared writing from Vanda Scaravelli’s book Awakening the Spine with my students:
"Don't kill the instinct of the body for the glory of the pose
Yoga must not be practiced to control the body; it is the opposite ;
It must bring freedom to the body, all the freedom it needs.
The yoga pose is not the goal
Being flexible is not the goal, standing on your hands is not the goal.
The goal is to create space where you were once stuck
To unveil layers of protection you built around your heart
To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates
To make peace with who you are.”
I will be turning 50 on January 6th, 2020. Making peace with who I am has become my full-time yoga practice. I traveled to India 20 years ago on my 30th birthday and knew I had come home to something. The birthplace of yoga felt like my birthplace. It was clear that this culture and these people were swept away by something beyond themselves and their spirits captivated me. I’ve always yearned to understand the hidden meanings in things, who I am, and the deeper mystery of this world we live in. This is what drew me to yoga and eventually to India in February of 2000. I am thrilled to be going back this coming February 2020, not only to celebrate the next phase of my life but to share my passion for yoga and it’s gifted with a group of eager practitioners. I am excited to take students on a journey through the gorgeous complex culture of India and themselves. This life is precious. Yoga is a beautiful tool to help us live our lives to our fullest potential and as Vanda Scaravelli said:
“To unveil layers of protection you built around your heart
To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates
To make peace with who you are.”
To me, this is the Heart of Yoga, the deeper dimension of this practice beyond Asana. It is this truth that is woven into the intricate fabric of a culture absorbed in the ecstasy of the Spirit, that Universal Consciousness of which we are all a part.
Join Jodie on her upcoming retreat to North India: A Journey into the Deeper Dimensions of Yoga!