wisewords


Explores a Yogic Life Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery


Kamini Desai by Linda Sechrist K


amini Desai’s Ph.D.-worthy ver- satile body of teachings combines her lifelong interests in Western


psychology and Eastern philosophy. Trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she develops and leads core programs for Florida’s Amrit Yoga Institute, provid- ing advanced studies dedicated to the science and system of integrated human development. A resident of Salt Springs, Florida, and the Netherlands, she teaches in 10 countries on three continents.


What is a yogic lifestyle? It means being focused on inner peace. Through the study of yoga as a complete science of self-mastery, I’m cultivat- ing the realization of my highest self beyond body and mind. This intention is the director of my unfolding life. I like to use the metaphor of a ship. If this higher self as a wise captain isn’t steadily setting the course at the helm, then on any given day, the happy, sad, grieving, enthusi- astic or depressed me will likely be steering my life in a contrary direction and I’ll just be going in circles.


In the Inte-


grative Amrit Method of Yoga, along


with the integrative


24 NA Twin Cities Edition natwincities.com


method of yoga nidra that I practice and teach, my focus is on the release of body energy, rather than any phys- ical pose. Energy is healing. When energy is freed up, it naturally calms the mind and creates a spontaneous, meditative state in which the highest self can be experientially known. To free energy, I attune to the sensa- tions resulting from the physical align- ments in any yoga posture. Each pose fo- cuses attention on sensations occurring along the meridian lines in the body, allowing areas that are blocked and lim- ited to open up and energy to optimally flow. Then, in what Amrit yoga describes as the “second half of the posture,” I close my eyes and feel that released energy becoming magnified through my attention. The stronger the en- ergy becomes, the more the mind organically dissolves into a meditative state where mental, emotional and physical healing can happen spontaneously.


What was it like to grow up as the daughter of Yogi Amrit Desai, a


well-known guru? I feel blessed that I was exposed to my father’s teachings from a young age. His message that I first em- braced was that people and things will always change, and


if I rely on either of them for happi- ness and peace of mind, I’m depend- ing on the undependable. The need is to find internal stability in the midst of every polarity. My dad, now approaching 82, has


always been an example of one whose entire life is about moving towards a changeless state of being and of what it means to remain a nonjudgmental witness to all that happens in life. Still, I had to learn my own lessons.


How have you benefited


from yoga? I began studying with my dad when I was 16. Now, at 46, I more fully value the depth of yoga. The longer I practice, the more grate-


ful I am that my mind is less fragmented than it otherwise would be. I’m progres- sively able to deal with situations that would have sent me over the edge before. I more naturally avoid wasting a lot of mental energy in internalized, “If they say this then I’m going to say that,” conversa- tions. With less mental chatter, I have more energy and stamina to focus on what is in front of me. I can be totally absorbed in each present moment for a deeper sense of fulfillment in what I’m doing.


How do you feel about the


Westernization of yoga? Individuals that begin any style of yoga for its physical benefits are off to a good start, but anyone that maintains a regular practice becomes curious about yoga’s other benefits, like relaxation, more peace and a sense of happiness that arises without any apparent cause. Eventually they ask, “Why is this good thing or greater bliss happening to me? What else is there besides postures?” Although everyone eventually


learns many life skills, we rarely learn how to live our lives well, manage our emotions and relate to others in ways that create more peace and happiness within. These are the uncaused benefits of yoga that people come to love.


Find more of her words of wisdom in articles posted at KaminiDesai.com.


Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAbout We.com for the recorded interview.


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