The first of the Yoga Sutras, atha yoganusasanam means:

“Now begins the study of yoga.”

An interpretation I heard when I first started studying these old texts was simply,  “now,  yoga,” and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.

Now begins the study of yoga.  Now, yoga.  Not tomorrow, not yesterday, not the class you just finished.  Now.  This very moment, this very breath.  This is  yoga. My yoga. Your Yoga.

This is my yoga. My yoga is the 8-Limb Practice. Mostly, devoutly, it has been an asana practice, and a dabbling in meditation.  In recent years though it has become about truth. Truth. Satya. At first, this was very scary and painful. I took great strides to get at the truth, the heart of the matter, the outcome? Trust. I trust myself completely. Those close to me trust me. They don’t always like me. Giving up likability was one of the scariest attachments to let go of, if I’m committed to the truth I cannot be committed to likability. They say “the truth will set you free.” That is absolutely true. “Ignorance is bliss”, a great big lie.

Now, this is yoga. Now, this is  perseverance, self-study, acceptance, creativity, commitment, compassion, truth, intuition, awakening, boundlessness. These are the gifts. Joy. Real joy. I know. And it’s worth it, every painful moment; is worth it.

Now, this is yoga.

What are you honoring right this minute?  What are you letting go of from yesterday and tomorrow?  What is your now?