Yoga has been around for centuries and has helped many attain a balance in life. It is also an excellent catalyst to change and transformation in life. Yoga involves physical postures and breath control. Besides improving flexibility and strength, meditation also promotes relaxation as well as improving an individual’s mental and emotional health. Yoga also improves their physical health. Many yoga practitioners experience efficient navigation through the ups and downs of life, including the inevitable changes that we face.
These yoga quotes on change can help you attain a better stance in life, whether accepting the change or bringing about a positive transformation.
Here are some yoga quotes on change:
“The only thing that is constant is change.” – Heraclitus.
Meaning: Change is the only constant thing in the universe according to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. Everything is in a state of flux and is constantly changing or evolving. The idea that nothing stays the same stems from the fact that we are all made of energy, and energy changes. The very core of our being is constantly evolving and transforming. Yoga helps us adapt to those evolving situations.
“Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind. Then there is abiding in the Seer’s own form.” – Patanjali.
Meaning: The quote is from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a central text of the Yoga tradition. Yoga practice aims to achieve inner peace and clarity by stilling the mind’s fluctuations. The “Seer’s own form” refers to the true nature of the self, beyond the ego and the constantly changing thoughts and emotions of the mind. Yoga aims to achieve union with the ultimate reality by realizing one’s true self. This state is sometimes referred to as “samadhi” or enlightenment.
“You cannot do Yoga. Yoga is your natural state. What you can do are yoga exercises which may reveal to you where you are resisting your natural state.” ~ Sharon Gannon
Meaning: Yoga is not something that can be done or accomplished, but rather something a state to delve into. The quote suggests that yoga exercises can make us aware of any resistance or obstacles that prevent us from being in this natural state. In other words, we are already inherently in Yoga, and the practice of Yoga is a way of unearthing and reconnecting with that inherent state. It is not something that we need to work towards or achieve, but instead, it is something that we can uncover and reveal through the practice of Yoga.
“We are familiar with moments of freedom, but we also know how it feels to be stuck, caught, as though there are obstacles in our way. We feel imprisoned by limitations. Limitations sometimes manifest on a physical level – inflexibility appears in our body or rigidity of the mind – we keep bumping into ourselves and other people and things. Nothing seems to work. It feels as if the sky has collapsed and clouds are hanging around us, and our limitless potential seems far away. The goal of Yoga is liberation from all limitations. So how do we overcome limitations? Look what happens when you do Hatha Yoga: a stiff and inflexible body will stretch, release and relax. In the same way, if you use the other tools of Yoga, you will stretch your mind and bring your essential self into the Light.” ~ from Living the Practice by Swami Radhananda
Meaning: As elaborated in the quoted text, Yoga is a path to liberation where adapting to change becomes effortless. With different mudras and asanas, we can manifest our transformation goals and achieve a peaceful state of mind.
“One of the fundamental principles of yoga: a small action done repeatedly can make an enormous difference.” – Dr. Timothy Mccall
Meaning: The phrase suggests that consistent, persistent effort, even in small actions, can lead to significant results over time. This idea is a fundamental principle of Yoga, emphasizing the importance of discipline and dedication in one’s practice. The concept can also be applied more broadly to the other areas such as personal growth, learning new skills, and achieving goals. We can create a lasting change and make a significant impact by consistently taking small steps toward the desired outcome.
“What we want out of yoga is ourselves, not something better than ourselves.” ~ Douglas Brooks
Meaning: The quote suggests that the goal of Yoga is not to become someone or something different or better than one’s current self but instead to uncover and understand one’s true nature. Yoga is a holistic practice that involves physical postures, breath control, and meditation and can be used as a means of self-inquiry and self-discovery. Through Yoga, individuals may understand their thoughts, feelings, and habits and learn to cultivate a sense of inner peace, self-acceptance, and self-awareness. The quote suggests that the ultimate goal of Yoga is not external achievement or improvement but rather a greater understanding and acceptance of oneself.
“Yoga is a way of moving into stillness in order to experience the truth of who you are.” ~ Erich Schiffmann
Meaning: The quote suggests that one aspect of Yoga practice is to find stillness and quiet the mind to connect with and understand one’s true nature. This can manifest in the form of self-discovery or self-inquiry to find inner peace and clarity.
“You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are one hundred percent responsible for fixing it.” ~ Ken Keyes, Jr.
Meaning: This quote suggests that a person’s upbringing and early life experiences can significantly influence their beliefs, behaviors, and ways of thinking. As a result of these experiences, people can form a subjective perspective of the world and themselves. However, the quote also emphasizes that as an adult, a person is fully responsible for addressing and attempting to change any harmful or unhealthy programming that they may have inherited from their childhood. Yoga is a way to unlearn those negative thoughts. This means taking ownership of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions and improving oneself and one’s circumstances.
Conclusion
People all over the world benefit from yoga because of its tangible impact on their lives. Having originated in ancient Indian lands, this practice can synchronize a person’s mind and body. That is why, to stay motivated, many Yoga enthusiasts seek positive quotes to use as a reminder of Yoga’s benefits. These quotes can help you understand its impact on change and transformation better.
