While there is a lot that I teach about yoga to my students, there is a lot that I myself continue to learn on a daily basis. While there are many aasans that I can do which many others cannot, there are also those who can perform tougher, more advanced aasans than I can do myself. So, in this sense yoga keeps me humble and grounded – literally and figuratively. In fact, I feel that yoga is a conduit for channeling wisdom, maturity and a realistic sense of self. This is true for a number of reasons:
Yoga teaches us to contemplate the universe
Acknowledging the vastness of the universe is the surest way to realize how small and insignificant each one of us is – both in terms of time and size. The unending nature of time forcefully brings home the message that our entire lives are but the blink of an eye. The sheer might of the world shows us how our entire bodies are smaller than a grain of sand. As we center our minds while doing yoga and meditation we also contemplate the vastness of the universe and our own insignificance.
Looking within, defeating pride
One of the main aims of yoga and meditation is to look within; to contemplate the inner self. We have to be able to see and admit our own flaws and limitations as well as our abilities and strengths. These processes are meant to help us overcome pride and arrogance and conceit. When we realize that each of us is bound by our respective abilities and personal limitations, this promotes honesty and also helps us become kinder, more empathetic human beings. When we accept that there are things that others may be able to do which we cannot, this has the direct impact of making us feel humble. This also helps us accept and admit the abilities of others around us; teaching us to trust and repose faith in others.
Yoga helps us become more mature
Yoga is the mind body discipline that teaches us new things; but which also helps us realize that we all have our own limitations. We realize that the vast sum of knowledge in the world can never be completely known to us and therein lies wisdom! Certainly, we should all acknowledge our own unique abilities and talents, but by acknowledging our own limitations, we gain wisdom and maturity. It is important to practice yoga with an open mind – a mind open to new ideas, learning and the understanding that others know things and have talents that we don’t. This understanding of life helps us grow as individuals; helps us become wiser and more mature.
As we learn and imbibe more about the discipline of yoga, we become more self-aware. We examine the enormity and splendour of the world around us and learn the importance of letting go of pride and arrogance. Learning humility is all about evolving as a person and giving thanks for our blessings.