“The ability to understand the object is simply replaced by the mind’s conception of that object or by a total lack of comprehension” (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1.4 sutra Vrtti sarupyam itaratra”)

Perception may be factual but may also depend on the personal circumstances. Things outside neither bind nor liberate you; only your attitude towards them does that. You can identify yourself as a mother, a wife, a father, a professional accountant, a police officer, a sufferer or an observer in these strange times. But, who are you deep down?

Essentially, we are humans by species. In biology, I am a woman. And in physics I am just an energetic body! In fact, a mass of energy (or different energies) contained in a physical body. And in yogic terms, behind all these energies, I am a spirit or Self.

So,  your original identification of being a mother, a wife, a person trapped in your house because there is a virus (yet another energetic cell) out there, is now just a modification of your physical body. If you see yourself simply as Self – a body of different energies, one unchanging consciousness, then all the other identifications become unnecessary.

If we could calm our minds and not think about the physical presence of the bodies (or other energetic masses) around us or outside our house, then we would be able to live happily and harmoniously.

So, by changing your mind, you change everything. By correcting our perception and our view of things, we may be able to correct things outside and more importantly our attitude towards them. Suddenly, the virus becomes another energetic cell. And the government’s decision to keep us protected to stay indoors, isn’t just a nuisance, but a way forward until the new energetic body is identified that is able to protect us from the virus – whether it comes in a form of vaccine or medication, it is still going to be in an energetic form.

It’s all very simple, yet so complicated.  Yoga is based on disciplined practice for self-reformation and self-control followed by self-adjustments to the new way of thinking, to the new unaltered view and perception. When you are reformed and your views are changed, you will see a new harmonious world. And there would be unity among everything.

“Your task is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it” Rumi

That is the real yoga. If we are to really benefit from a yoga practice it MUST expand beyond the mat and into life!

Peace, love, light, and health to you all!

Namaste!