‘Process’ over ‘Goal’

In Yoga we become very aware of life as it is, we cultivate a Practice of paying attention to that which is intrinsic, this is not to imply that we’re attempting to shut off access to the extrinsic, it’s more accurate to say that consistent practice renders us so adept at self-awareness that our perception of our environment comes from a much more informed place. In this context, the hallmark Western concept of goal-orientation becomes utterly irrelevant. In Yoga, the emphasis is on the Process with a capital P. We are not striving for validation or victory or anything for which the ego thirsts but rather we are grounding ourselves in the moment-to-moment nourishment of living as fully present beings.

The definition of ‘success’ in modern cultures hinges on reaching the pinnacle of something, financial wealth, fame, a public win, a grasping of a result …….and therefore a blind spot to the intricacies of the lessons, the failures, the vicissitudes, the valuing of each moment and the constant refinement of skills like patience, concentration & discipline. What I’m talking about here is the Noble Path of Understanding, the celebration of the internal challenge, the never-ending road of self-mastery.

If we approach our entire existence as a Process…..if our purest intention is to actively & properly ‘understand’ that Process, then we shall know ourselves and indeed LIFE more deeply. This Practice of Yoga is life-long….On Purpose, we do not require an exam day, a televised competition or an achievement award…. because the daily prize, in real time, is a life lived through Yoga.

Reaching a goal can give you a title… but realising the importance of the Process gives you a life.

Namaste.