Mantra: “I Am Free Because I Choose to Be.”

The Path to True Freedom: A Journey Within

Topic: The Journey of the Self

Metaphor: The Mirror and the Dust
Imagine standing in front of a mirror covered in dust. The reflection is unclear, distorted, almost unrecognizable. But as you begin to wipe away the layers, your true self emerges—clear, radiant, and untouched by the dust that once hid it.

This is the path of yoga. It is not about becoming something new, but about revealing who you have always been. Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self—an inward path of discovery, stripping away illusions, fears, and conditioning until all that remains is the truth of who we are.

Reflection:
In daily life, we define ourselves by external labels—our roles, achievements, struggles. But yoga invites us to go deeper, beyond the layers of identity, beyond the distractions of the mind, to a place of inner stillness.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the self is both the seeker and the path, the student and the teacher, the question and the answer. What we search for is already within us—we simply need to clear the dust from the mirror.

Quotes:

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” — The Bhagavad Gita

“The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die.” — The Bhagavad Gita
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” — Rumi

“To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti

“Close your eyes, fall in love, stay there.” — Rumi

Call to Action:
As you step onto your mat today, recognize that you are not here to perform—you are here to remember. Notice the stories your mind tells you, the labels you cling to, and the doubts that whisper in the background. Instead of resisting them, simply see them. Observe, and with each breath, wipe the dust from the mirror of your soul.

Off the mat, take a few moments before bed to sit in stillness. Close your eyes and ask yourself:
“If I had no name, no title, no past to define me—who would I be?”

Let the question settle in your heart like a stone sinking into deep water. Do not rush for an answer. Simply listen.

Because the path to true freedom is not about becoming more—it is about becoming less. Less attached. Less fearful. Less clouded.

And in that space of less, you will find everything.

Topic: Letting Go Is the Ultimate Strength

Metaphor: The Butterfly and the Closed Hand

Imagine a butterfly resting gently in the palm of your hand. If you clench your fist, trying to hold onto it, you will crush its delicate wings. But if you keep your palm open, put something sweet in your hand, allowing it to come and go freely, it may stay longer than you expect—or return when you least expect it.

This is how life works. The more we try to control, the more we suffer. True freedom comes from opening our grip, trusting that what is meant for us will stay or return in its own time.

Reflection:
We often believe that holding on gives us security, but in reality, it creates suffering. We cling to relationships, expectations, or fears, afraid that if we let go, we will lose something essential. But what if surrender is not about loss, but about making space?

Yoga teaches us the wisdom of softening—of loosening our grip on things that no longer need contrtol. When we stop resisting and start surrendering, we create room for peace, growth, and new possibilities.

Quotes:
“You only lose what you cling to.” — Buddha

“Surrender is the simple but profound wisdom of yielding to rather than opposing the flow of life.” — Eckhart Tolle

“The tighter you squeeze, the less you have.” — Thomas Merton
“Let go, or be dragged.” — Zen Proverb

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” — Lao Tzu

Call to Action:
As you move through today’s practice, notice where you’re holding tension—your shoulders, your jaw, your hips, even your breath. Instead of forcing a pose, soften into it. Feel the difference between effort and ease.

Off the mat, reflect: Where in life am I gripping too tightly that i may be causing damage? What am I afraid to release? Open your hand. Open your heart. Set yourself free.

Topic: The True Cost of Inner Peace

Metaphor: The Leaky Cup
Imagine you have a beautiful cup filled with pure, refreshing water. This water represents your inner peace. Now, every time you engage with something that drains you—whether it’s unnecessary drama, toxic relationships, or self-doubt—it’s like poking tiny holes in your cup. The more holes you allow, the faster your peace leaks away.

No matter how much you try to refill it, unless you stop the leaks, you will always be running dry.

Reflection
Our inner peace is one of the most valuable things we have. It allows us to navigate life with clarity, love, and resilience. Yet, we often trade it away—sometimes for things that seem urgent but are ultimately unimportant. Stressing over things beyond our control, holding onto resentment, or saying yes to things that drain us—these are all expenses that add up quickly.

The real question is: At what cost?

Is it worth sacrificing our well-being, our joy, and our presence for something fleeting? When we realize that anything that disrupts our peace is simply too expensive, we begin to make better choices.

Quotes:

“Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.” – Dalai Lama

“You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.” — Steve Maraboli

“Do not trade your peace for anything, even if it is the whole world.” — Imam Ali

“The cost of your anger, worry, and resentment is your inner peace. Pay wisely.” — Unknown

“Your peace is more important than driving yourself crazy trying to understand why something happened the way it did.” — Unknown

“Anything that costs you your peace is too expensive.” — Anonymous

Call to Action:
As you practice today, be aware of what drains you. Are you leaking energy through worry, resentment, or overcommitment? Let today be a turning point where you choose to seal those leaks. Protect your peace like you would your most treasured possession.

Off the mat, reflect: Where is my peace leaking away? Then, choose to repair the holes. Choose to walk away from what drains you. Choose peace—because nothing is worth more.

The Wealth of Gratitude
Metaphor: The Traveling Monk and the Rich Man
A wealthy man once approached a humble monk and asked, “Why are you always so content when you own nothing?”

The monk smiled and replied, “You are the one who owns nothing. Your gold and treasures do not belong to you—they own you. I, on the other hand, have the sky above me, the earth beneath me, and the breath in my lungs. You are always worried about losing what was never truly yours to keep. So tell me, who is truly rich?”

Reflection:
Happiness is not about getting everything we desire; it is about learning to appreciate what is already here. The one who constantly chases—more success, more wealth, more validation—will always feel empty because their contentment is just beyond reach, like a mirage on the horizon.

Gratitude is the great alchemist—it turns what we have into enough. And when we recognize that we already have enough, we are free.

Quotes:

“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” — Seneca

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” — Epictetus

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough.” — Melody Beattie

“A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.” — Unknown

Call to Action:
As you practice, move with gratitude. Off the mat, before reaching for your phone tomorrow morning, take a deep breath and whisper a quiet “thank you.”

The Story of – “A Path Bloomed from Imperfection”

In the heart of a lush valley nestled a monastery, a serene haven where monks devoted their lives to peace, meditation, and the cultivation of wisdom. Among them was a monk known for his daily task of fetching water from a nearby stream. With two large containers suspended from the ends of a sturdy pole he carried across his shoulders, he made his journey at dawn, greeting the morning sun with a silent nod.

One of the containers was perfectly whole, retaining all the water it was filled with, while the other had several small holes, from which water steadily dripped along the path back to the monastery. Aware of this imperfection, the monk nevertheless persisted in his routine, never once seeking to repair the leaking container.

As the seasons passed, the monk noticed a remarkable transformation along the side of the path where the water leaked. Where once there had been nothing but dry, barren earth, a vibrant strip of wildflowers now bloomed, a riot of colors that mirrored the hues of the morning skies. Bees and butterflies danced among the blossoms, and the air was sweet with fragrance.

The other side of the path, which received no water, remained unchanged, its beauty untapped, potential unfulfilled. The leaking container, in its flaw, had unwittingly given life to a barren stretch, creating beauty where none had existed before.

One day, the container, ashamed of its imperfection, apologized to the monk for its inadequacy and the burden it believed to have imposed. The monk, with a gentle smile, shared a wisdom as profound as the teachings of Buddha himself. He spoke of how its unique flaws had allowed a trail of beauty to flourish, teaching a valuable lesson: perfection is not a prerequisite for making a positive impact in the world. In its imperfection, the container had accomplished something truly beautiful, nurturing life along its journey.

This story serves as a poignant metaphor, reminding us that beauty and purpose can arise from imperfection. It celebrates the unconventional paths through which kindness and care can manifest, encouraging an embrace of our flaws and imperfections as avenues through which our unique contributions can flow into the world. Like the wildflowers along the monk’s path, the impacts of our actions, no matter how small or flawed they may seem, can bloom into something unexpectedly beautiful, enriching the world around us.

In our journey today, let’s reflect on a powerful concept: “Anything you try to control, ends up controlling you,” as Guy Finley beautifully put it. This brings to mind the simple yet profound story of the monkey trap, found in cultures across South America, Africa, and Asia. The locals use a gourd with a small hole, just enough for a monkey’s hand to fit through. Inside, they place a lure—a nut or fruit. The monkey, drawn by the prize, reaches in but then cannot withdraw its hand while clutching its bounty. Despite the solution being as simple as releasing the prize, the monkey’s attachment keeps it bound, trading its freedom for a fleeting reward.

This story mirrors our own lives more closely than we might like to admit. How often do we find ourselves clinging to things that, in the grand scheme, hold little value? Our attachments—be it to past grievances, the need to be right, material possessions, or even certain relationships—can form the very traps that limit our freedom and happiness. Today’s practice invites us to introspect: What are we holding onto that doesn’t serve our highest good? Are we prioritizing external treasures over the wealth within us?

As we move through our poses, let each breath remind us of the freedom in letting go, encouraging us to release not just physical tension, but the mental and emotional grips that confine us. Remember, true liberation comes not from holding tightly to what we believe we need but from understanding that our deepest peace and happiness are not contingent on externalities. Let us choose our treasures wisely, knowing that by loosening our grip on the world outside, we open our hands—and hearts—to the boundless joys that lie within. Let’s embrace the wisdom of release and the art of detachment, finding our path to true freedom and fulfillment.

“My mother always reminded us, ‘If nothing kind is to be said, better to say nothing at all.’ Interestingly, this wisdom applies equally to our inner dialogue. Considering we’re in a lifelong partnership with ourselves, it’s essential to foster a nurturing, healing relationship. This evening, we embark on a journey toward profound self-acceptance and the cultivation of self-love. Imagine if someone in your life spoke to you as harshly as you sometimes speak to yourself; chances are, they wouldn’t be in your life for long. Yet, we often permit this kind of negative self-talk to dominate our thoughts. Today, let’s shift our focus: let’s become more curious about who we are and less critical of our flaws.” – David Scott

“Being happy doesn’t mean you have it all. It simply means you’re thankful for all you have.” David Scott

“I am rooted but I flow, I am grounded but I bend. I am deep but my worries are shallow. My dreams and hopes are limitless, but I am content where I stand. What I own is meaningless, how little I truly need allows me the freedom and lightness to fly. Never intent on arriving, it is the journey where I explore my passions. I have the heart of the yogi and the wisdom inspired by the Buddha.” – David Scott

“Those who love you unconditionally see beyond the errors you’ve made or the shadows you cast upon yourself. They see your beauty in moments of self-doubt, your integrity when you feel fragmented, your innocence amidst guilt, and your direction when you wander in circles lost. Perfection isn’t a prerequisite for inspiration. Instead, let your journey through imperfections be the beacon for others.” – David Scott

Why you do Yoga?, What you wish to gain from Yoga? But more importantly, What do you wish to leave behind?”

“The most important part that happens during a yoga class, is not what happens outside the body, but what happens inside the body.” David Scott

“Remember the entrance to the sanctuary is inside you.” – Rumi

“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” — B.K.S. Iyengar

Tonight be curious instead of judgmental with yourself.

Yoga teaches us to create a life that feels good on the inside and not just the outside.

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”– The Bhagavad Gita

“Yoga is a dance between control and surrender – between pushing and letting go – and when to push and to let go becomes part of the creative process, part of the open-ended exploration of your well-being.” –Joel Kramer

Self Acceptance…

“The journey towards enlightenment is not about becoming a perfect being but about becoming more authentically oneself. At the heart of mindfulness lies the profound practice of radical self-acceptance. Imagine a life not dictated by the perceptions of others; that’s where your authentic journey starts. It’s in this liberation that the doors to self-acceptance swing wide open. Acceptance is the key that tears down walls, paving the way for success not hindered by internal conflict. My own joy expands as I embrace acceptance more fully, inversely related to my pursuit of perfection. Trusting in oneself eliminates the need to seek validation or convince others of our worth. When we find peace within ourselves, oddly enough, the world seems to embrace us too. I chose to celebrate rather than fix myself, to explore rather than solve. Embracing this approach has been among the most transformative decisions of my life, marking the beginning of a journey towards genuine self-discovery and contentment.” – David Scott

“What self-acceptance does is open up more possibilities of succeeding because you aren’t fighting yourself along the way.” – Shannon Ables.

“My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations of perfection.” – Michael J. Fox.

“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.” – Lao Tzu.

“Instead of trying to mend me, I decided to enjoy me. Instead of trying to solve me, I decided to discover me. It was one of the best decisions of my life.” – S.C. Laurie.

“For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining, is to let it rain.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (The Poet’s Tale; The Birds of Killingworth)

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Learn to dress yourself, so you no longer need to wear the opinions of others to define you,” – David Scott

Self Love

“I am not looking to escape my darkness, I am learning to love myself there.” – Rune Lazuli.

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” -Buddha.

“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” – Veronica A. Shoffstall.

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” – Brené Brown.

“Once you’ve accepted your flaws, no one can use them against you.” – George R. R. Martin.

“In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you.” – Andrea Dykstra.

“The only love you should desperately search for, is the one that comes from you to you.” – Edmond Mbiaka.

“When your own approval means more than the approval of others, that is self-love.” – Vironika Tugaleva.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“I don’t have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect and beautiful journey of my life.” – Kerry Washington.

“If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” – Mary Engelbreit.