Growing Like a Tree: Reflections on Yoga as Living Wisdom
Some reflections on International Day of Yoga
Personal Reflections and Yoga Connections
Yoga has given me an assurance that my body and breath can help me become more resilient—physically and mentally. With continued practice over the years, I see this benefit slowly accumulating, motivating me to deepen my commitment. It also inspires me to share the science, philosophy, and practice of yoga, as each aspect reveals the others more intimately.
The Joy of Connection
Through teaching—weekly classes, personal consultations, workshops, yogamaalas, retreats, kids' summer camps, and teacher training intensives—yoga has become my way of connecting with others. I witness how everyone loves and embraces the practice, becoming more cheerful, joyous, and serene. It is all their effort; I am only the facilitator and witness of this transformation.
The end of every session reinforces that the practice becomes powerful when you shape it as a container for attention, drawing students into their own self-awareness and kindling that inner spark. I'm grateful that this practice has deepened in me over the years, and I experience these same benefits myself.
Along with me, my students have grown. I see them delving into the refined wisdom of yoga, turning their attention toward understanding their own essence—moving from the periphery a little closer to themselves. My hope is that the wisdom of yoga seeps far and wide, so everyone gets to experience this profound connection to themselves and with one another.
Gratitude and Continuity
I am ever grateful that kind teachers have kept this science alive for others' benefit. I hope to do my part in practicing and sharing, continuing to keep it alive. Yoga is living, breathing wisdom—sustained and nourished by practitioners and teachers—which bears fruit in connecting and uplifting the community.
Be a Tree
A tree, through its roots, trunk, branches, leaves, bark, sap, flowers, and fruit, sustains itself and others while containing the seed for all that it has, ready to propagate.
Let your practice grow like a tree—a practice that roots you, makes you disciplined, resilient, and strong, that energizes and enlivens you. Allow yourself to settle into your essence, to savor the very source of your being, which is aware and joyous. This source is the supporter of all lived experiences.
May your practice grow like a tree:
Deep roots of universal loving-kindness grounding you
A strong trunk of self-discipline to hold yourself accountable
Dynamic branches of pose and poise spreading outward
Sustaining leaves as your breath becomes the bridge of life force
Protective bark built through inner awareness, so life force doesn't dissipate
Flowing sap as your attention channels and directs awareness
Fragrant flowers of deep awareness and absorption
Nourishing fruit—the source of all your deep aspirations and experiences, the very essence of you: YOU
In this way, we can each become both student and teacher, rooted in ancient wisdom yet growing toward our own unique expression of truth. The practice continues, the wisdom flows, and the tree of yoga grows ever stronger through our collective tending.