[Meliha Güler İlkimen]

@andreapeyratrondan Hi 🙂

We do yoga to connect with “ourselves” in a general wise.. So, all the physical practices (asanas) and the other more subtle practices like pranayamas and chantings are just tools for that.. This is not a religion. I know it sometimes feels that way , and yes its kind of a complicated subject , but in the big picture we work on ourselves.. As you see, for all questions, you get "your intuition will guide you" kind of answer in way :) because it is :) but you must be patient and I suggest keep practicing with no expectations and as you do first focus on your asanas and then a little and simple breath practices like full breath, yogic breath, belly breathing, anuloma-viloma...</p><p>And, in the way, you will notice the "point" in our practices and kind of surprisingly the the main point of religions . After this point, youll notice that, we humans and our mind are the ones that discriminate this kind of info and practices.. And by this realization, your perspective to all teachings will combine in a way 🙂

We mostly call something as bad when we do not see the truth there.. So give yourself time 🌸🌸 and take baby steps, I mean no rush on doing all the practices at once, it would make the confusion 🤗

Love

[Andrea Peyrat]

OMG such an answer full olf wisdom and love. Thank you so much!

[Natalia Alvarez Gonzalez]

This is such a good tip.
I also agree that there is no need to push to reach anything specific on our practice. However, I believe a big part of yoga is also meeting our shadow parts, so also observing and noticing what things feel unconfortable and why. Not to inmediately push through and “do it anyway” forcefully but to start observing the reasons behind our uncomfortabilities.

I personally have learned so much from the practice of yoga within its roots, philosophy and spiritual parts so for me it was important to also connect with those. At the begining when I was practicing yoga in gyms and not in studios it felt kind of strange to chant. As if I was also appropriating from another culture and religion. I remember how weird it felt the first time attended a kundalini class and now I love it. And also chanting has become a big part of my practice and liberating my voice.

This being said, yoga is mostly about self-knowledge and enquiry, so probably you will find your own answer your own way as long as you keep true to yourself and open to hear it 😊🙏

Wishing you the best!

[Andrea Peyrat]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and perspective. I love it that I am learning so much from this beautiful sangha. Have a good night. 🙏🏽

[Layla Sharif]

Hi 🌷

I had the same experience, too, when I was chanting. Then I thought I’m praying in Arabic even though I speak Turkish. God, Allah, Universe, or Nature, whatever we call it, is One; it doesn’t matter which language we pray in. It helped me not feel bad. Also, I think that old prayers and chantings have a frequency level acceptance, that’s why we are allowed to do that in a particular language.

I’m like a hiker who wants to reach the peak; it doesn’t matter from which side of the mountain I’m climbing.

That is my experience and thoughts. I hope it helps.🙏

Good luck!😊

[Andrea Peyrat]

Thank you so, so much! Yes it is very helpful! 🙏🏽

[Brandi Niedermeier]

I’d also like to add chanting is not worshiping. It is similar to praying if you want to think of it that way. Furthermore, any God with limited understanding of the process of growth is not a God but a man-made version of God. God is all knowing, that means they understand intent, they understand the human experience. God is not limited in anyway.

My two cents.

[Andrea Peyrat]

Thank you

[Jessica]

Thank you for being vulnerable and letting your guard down to ask a difficult question. I have had similar conversations with friends and my yoga fam. As we all dig deeper inside ourselves on our YTT journey, we are blessed with opportunities to learn and grow. Be proud of yourself for recognizing when your boundaries were tested. Never stop seeking to understand. Stay true to what is right for you.

My personal perspective is that humans created words to communicate. Sometimes words can be misinterpreted. Sometimes words have no true meaning behind them (we all know that person who doesn’t say what the mean or mean what they say). Sometimes words can uplift, while other times they cause harm. If you can think of the words as just words, similar as how the movements are simply just movements, you can practice various forms of yoga asanas and mantras without attaching yourself to the traditional meanings. If something doesn’t align with you, refrain from practicing that part. You can detach from the mythological/spiritual meanings and appreciate a cultural story being shared during a yoga practice. 💗

I hope that you find a yoga community that speaks to your soul.

[Andrea Peyrat]

Thank you very much for such an interesting perspective! 🙏🏽