As we gear up for July 4th, the day we commemorate our hard-won freedom and liberation as a nation, it’s a time filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of pride. The BBQs, family gatherings, and breathtaking fireworks embody the spirit of Independence Day. Living in what many consider the greatest nation on the planet, we have much to celebrate. Yet, the ancient texts of yoga invite us to explore a deeper, more personal dimension of freedom and liberation—one that transcends national boundaries and touches the essence of our being.
The Yogic Perspective on Liberation
In yoga, the concept of liberation, or moksha, is central. It’s not just about freedom from external control or oppression but an inner journey toward self-realization and true freedom. The body-mind, according to yogic philosophy, is a tool for discovering our true nature, which is divine and boundless. When we step onto our yoga mats, we embark on this profound journey.
The Journey Within
Our asana practice is more than a series of physical postures; it’s a disciplined approach to honing our body and mind. Through consistent practice, we reap numerous benefits—improved health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and a general sense of well-being. But beyond these tangible benefits lies a greater promise. As the ancient sage Patanjali outlines in his Yoga Sutras, the ultimate aim of yoga is moksha—liberation from the limited self.
This liberation isn’t about escaping reality but embracing it with a higher level of consciousness. It’s about moving beyond the ego-driven identity that confines us to a sense of separateness and discovering the divine consciousness within. In this state of heightened awareness, we experience an inner bliss, a profound peace that dissolves the illusion of separation between “us” and “them,” “me” and “you.”
Practicing Liberation on and off the Mat
Every yoga session is a step towards this inner freedom. The breathwork, the meditative focus, and the physical postures all work synergistically to peel away the layers of the false self, revealing the true Self. This is the divine consciousness—pure, limitless, and interconnected with all of existence.
Imagine carrying this sense of liberation off the mat and into your daily life. It transforms how you interact with the world. The irritations and anxieties that once dominated your thoughts lose their grip, replaced by a calm, purposeful presence. You begin to act from a place of inner strength and wisdom, effortlessly embodying the principles of yoga in every aspect of life.
Celebrating Freedom Every Day
As we celebrate our nation’s freedom and liberation this July 4th, let’s also honor the personal freedom that yoga offers us. The fireworks and festivities are a beautiful reminder of our collective triumphs, but the inner fireworks—the sparks of enlightenment and self-realization—are just as worthy of celebration.
So, this Independence Day, while you enjoy the company of loved ones and the joy of being part of a free nation, take a moment to recognize the profound freedom that’s always available to you. Embrace the opportunity to experience your highest Self, the divine consciousness that unites us all. After all, true liberation is not just a right we celebrate as citizens of a country, but as conscious beings on this beautiful planet.
Happy Independence Day!
Jai Bhagwan,
Kristine