The Purpose of Yoga - Self-Worth and Action

Let's look at philosophy, which runs parallel to Yoga. Lao Tsu once said: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." The first step toward self-confidence is action. The fact that you are reading this article is not a coincidence. You saw the title and decided to take action (Karma).

The next logical step is the realization that you are constantly required to take action in order to succeed in life. We cannot completely give up on life, while we exist on this earth. So, as long as we are living, we might as well take positive action, which bears fruit (Vipaka).

From this moment on, embrace your failures, be grateful for the difficult lessons, and forgive those who have fallen short of your expectations. Why do I say this? The best way to learn is through experience. The proverb: "Every dark cloud has a silver lining," applies to our daily challenges in life.

Yoga teaches us that we should rejoice when we start to think of all the ways life could have been easier. If everything was handed to us without effort, we would have learned nothing about life.

In fact, we would know as much about life as a spoiled child knows. If you listen to a spoiled child, you have learned his or her life story, within the time frame of a few minutes. How many different ways can a child say, "I want?"

Therefore, look back at your life experience and be thankful for all the valuable life lessons you have "under your belt." Be thankful for real friends, family members, and those who love you. You have life experience, common sense, intelligence, and a will to succeed. These qualities are priceless, and you will need them on the inner Yogic journey to gain self-worth, which we know as self-realization.

© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html