Tight Yoga wear or modest Yoga wear, its still me :-)

In the video, you see two Norzas. 

One in the common yoga gear and another covered. So which is the real Norza? Both are the real Norza.

I was previously the Yogini who loves to wear the sleeveless top, tights and free hair. But now to be authentically me, I am the covered Yogini. But if I am at home practicing with no photos to be taken there’s no need for me to be covered. Its me practicing both my loves. My faith and my Yoga.

Yes they can marry!

There are certain aspects of Yoga that has helped me to move closer to my faith. (I do not practice the mantras). 

Pranayama(breathing).

I feel proper breathing has helped me to be more focus when I do my prayers.  One movement, one breath. My prayers have sitting and sitting positions, forward bend, slight twist to right and also slight neck movements, to the right and left to complete the prayer. Its a set of movements varied only by the number of times the ‘flow’ is done depending on the time of day. There are 5 times. Sunrise, afternoon, late afternoon, sunset and evening. Its meant to reset, realign and recalibrate oneself. Each prayer is like a meditation.

Proper breathing had helped me to be in the moment when I recite my prayers and internalise it.I do try to practice mindfulness on and off the mat. I must say sometimes its challenging when your mind flies off somewhere else when you are doing something. I am only human ya. But the beauty of  it is, you catch yourself and drag yourself to be present.

This reminds me of a book I read ICHIGO ICHIE by Hector Garcia nad Francesc Miralles. ICHIGO ICHIE is the Japanese art of making the most of every moment, the Japanese way. So whatever you experience at the moment, be present, embrace the moment. When you are with somebody, celebrate the moment. Appreciate the company as a gift. Reading this, I felt what a beautiful way of describing a meeting. I think when there is honesty and joy in the meeting, you can feel it in your heart.

Another nugget I want to share here from the book is about savouring a moment like it is our last breath. To really feel and give ourselves permission to be happy. There are times I think when we hold back our happiness. We forget the child in us. We say adults do not do that. This is where Yoga comes in. It allows and encourages you to PLAY and gives you space to tumble, fall, laugh and not to take yourself too seriously especially when you are not able to execute a certain pose. You get up and try again. If you fall, its ok. You can smile and even laugh. Well maybe your body does not allow you to do that today. You do not take it personally

Satya(truthfulness)

To practice this, I have to be authentic to myself. This is reflected externally in how I present myself fashion wise. Honestly, it took me awhile to come out with a modest look which I think is me. One which seamlessly represents me, regardless whether I am covered or not. I think I am at peace with my new look. There are many covered Yoginis on instagram too and they look fabulous.

So if you wonder how does covering affects me as a Yogini? It does not. Whether freehair or covered, I practice and I teach with Intention.

So how do you practice truthfulness in your daily life?