Who Are You?
More Than One You
In yoga, we often talk about balance. Not just the physical balance we cultivate in a posture practice, but the deeper equilibrium that comes from embracing all aspects of ourselves. Yet, human nature is such that many of us fall into the trap of defining ourselves too narrowly, and identifying strongly with one particular role, perhaps as a yoga teacher, a busy parent, or a dedicated professional, to name a few.
When we attach our entire sense of self to one role or identity, we invite a sense of fragility into our lives, often without awareness we are doing so. If that single aspect of our life falters, perhaps through an injury or illness that prevents us from practicing, or workload consuming our energy and time, we can feel lost and disconnected from who we truly are.
The Mandala of Identity
Think of your identity as a mandala, a beautiful circular pattern often used as an instrument to support contemplation and meditation. At the center of the mandala is the foundation: your core values, the qualities that are most important to you, and which are naturally expressed when you are being who you most enjoy being. These might include sensitivity, strength, kindness, authenticity, growth, or service.
Radiating from the center to the periphery are the various expressions of who you are: the person who practices and lives the teachings of yoga, the parent to your children, the friend to those you love, and so much more. As a mandala's beauty comes from its multiple elements working in harmony to create a path for the mind to follow, your unique strength comes from nurturing these different facets of yourself.
This, thankfully, creates space for diversity and transition, which are both experiences that are abundantly expressed in nature. Some seasons of life call for deeper focus on one aspect, such as new parenthood, launching a business, or deepening spiritual practices. Maintaining connection to the various aspects of yourself ensures that when challenges arise in one area, you have other sources of strength and meaning to sustain you.
What makes a mandala (and life) cohesive isn't just its individual elements, but rather, how they connect and flow together. Similarly, the transitions between the various roles in life, the rituals that help facilitate as shift from teacher to parent, from student to professional… this is what supports harmony in life.
Embracing Wholeness
In yoga philosophy, we recognize that we are multidimensional beings capable of holding complexity. When we honor this truth, we become more resilient, less afraid of failure, and better equipped to navigate life's inevitable changes.
Whether on the mat or off, remember that strength comes not from being perfect in one area, but from embracing the beauty of our own diversity and complexity. Like a mandala, each of us is complete not because we are simple, but because we are wonderfully, intricately whole.