What does “YOGA” even mean?

What does Yoga even mean?

'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite'. According to modern scientists, everything uin the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be IN YOGA .

As my Guru , teacher and friend , Mark , plainly puts it :

Yoga not physical nor mental gymnastics, but your direct intimacy with life as it actually is. YOUR Yoga puts the body and mind in the natural state. Your Yoga is the embrace of capital-R Reality, which is only a nurturing, regenerative force that renews all life springing forth. And it is already here, as YOU.

This is why I love teaching Yoga from this lineage , from this truth . Because it puts your power and autonomy back into your own hands , when the world is trying all it can to put your authority outside of you . In your governments, religious leaders, in celebrities and even in the hands of your yoga teachers . When this whole circus is array , Yoga says NO . You are the power , intelligence and beauty of the entire cosmos . For the same power , intelligence and beauty that makes the stars shine , the moon full and the flowers bloom , is the same power , intelligence and beauty that, arising as YOU .

 “You are the big bang, the original force of the universe, coming on as whoever you are.” 

– Alan Watts