Where the Light Enters: The Real Reason I Practice Yoga

For the first time in my life, my true self was able to emerge like a lotus stuck in the mud.

As an Amazon Associate, Breathe Together Yoga earns from qualifying purchases.

angela

We all have different reasons for practicing yoga, different paths that led us to find the practice. Many start for physical (even superficial) benefits, only to realize the profound, spiritual insights that are also accessible through asana and meditation. Meanwhile, others have to hit their knees before they become open to these rewards. As Rumi described, “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” In this column, teachers and students alike will contribute deeply-personal accounts of their own yoga journeys, how they found the practice, and why they stay committed to it. Thank you for holding the space and allowing them to share their truths. 

“Yoga is the path which cultures the body and senses, refines the mind, civilizes the intelligence, and takes rest in the soul which is the core of our being.”

-B.K.S Iyengar

The first time I laid in savasana, I felt something I had maybe not ever felt before. My inner critic was silent, and my usual tense body was soft like pudding. See, here’s the thing about trauma: it has ways of shutting off parts of your brain and body – sort of like a booby trap. Sometimes, even if they get help, trauma survivors live their life out of heartbreak and gut-wrenching sensations. The most unfortunate part about this is a lot of survivors don’t even know that they are constantly in fight or flight mode because it becomes a normal way of being. 

From the moment I had my very first taste of yoga, I was hooked on that inner calm. The pain of holding onto the gut-wrenching past can feel unbearable. Without any coping skills, an easy way to release the pain is through numbing agents like drugs, alcohol, and other forms of self-sabotage. But, these coping mechanisms are merely bandaids and once they wear off, you find yourself back in the same, agonizing cycles. 

Yoga works on a deeper, more visceral level. Yoga changes your neuroplasticity, which is just a fancy word for how your brain interacts with your body. The compassion and acceptance that is cultivated through yoga triggers the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone which increases feelings of trust, calm, safety, and generosity. For me, yoga opened doors that did not exist. 

My great, great grandmother was sold in Mexico as a slave when she was 12 years old. She eventually escaped and started a family of her own. My great grandmother jumped out of a moving vehicle to escape her abusive relationship. She took her children and also started a life of her own. My grandmother spent 40 years in Al-Anon self-help programs. When I was only 16, I was in my own abusive relationship. I got out. I knew I needed to become a more functional version of myself before it was too late. I tried my best but kept falling into different versions of old patterns. It wasn’t until I found yoga that I was able to cut the bullshit. For the first time in my life, my true self was able to emerge like a lotus stuck in the mud. 

The generations before me were very poor immigrants who did not have access to much education, but they did their absolute best and loved unconditionally. Thanks to yoga, I heal not only my own cycles but also reverse the traumas of previous generations as well. 

To dive deeper into the subjects of yoga and trauma, check out these books: 

Picture of Angela Delfin

Angela Delfin

From therapeutics to strength based practices, Angela believes in the power of transformation through yoga. She has studied many different modalities which help influence her unique style of teaching; from psychology, Chinese medicine, qigong, yoga for trauma recovery, to the anatomy of asana. She is passionate and driven to continuously learn and grow in her own practice and teaching. When Angela is not teaching or practicing yoga, you can find her doing something outdoorsy with her Australian shepherd, Kiwi, reading a new book, or studying astrology.

One reply on “Where the Light Enters: The Real Reason I Practice Yoga”

I enjoyed reading this and visiting with you. Besides knowing how you need yoga for yourself, how can one suggest it to someone you KNOW could benefit (save her life) by doing it? Sometimes the perfect teacher lives far away from the person who needs her. I love you Angela. You are light … and deep fun. Eleanor

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shine Your Way to Firefly | Izumi Sato

We aim to improve the flexibility of hamstrings and shoulders, as well as the strength in the arms, thigh adductors, and the core. Variations are offered to develop the sense of balance on the arms. It is an exploration of your own expression in Firefly, whatever stage of life you’re in.

Introduction to the Buddhist Mudras | Izumi Sato

Mudras are highly stylized and symbolized as non-verbal communication. In this introduction to the Buddhist mudras, we will learn five Buddhist mudras and the mudras of the five wisdoms, or five Buddhas. After learning the forms and meanings of the mudras, it’s fun to observe the arts such as Buddha sculptures and paintings.

Chanting Gayatri Mantra With Mudras | Izumi Sato

In this mantra, the 24 Mudras are practiced while chanting the Gayatri Mantra which has 24 syllables. Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri, a Vedic sun deity. Among various translations of the mantra, I introduce the first line by Tias Little and the rest of the lines by Swami Vivekananda.

How Mindfulness Can Help You Navigate Social Media

Now that social media has become an extension of our own communities, a lot of negative perspectives and habits have made their way from the digital world to our real one. By becoming aware of your emotions and actions, you can get past the bad side of social media and enjoy the company of your social circle.