If your intention is to begin, continue or even dabble in yoga classes, you should know what's happening to you...You are, whether you know it or not, engaging in an exploration of your true nature....What does that mean? The sage, Patanjali laid down "sutras" or threads of knowledge that helps make up the essence of the yogic journey....
Chapter one is all about how to become "enlightened", or how to achieve "samadhi". To do this; one must understand the fluctuations of the mind. Life is pulsation, dynamism...When you think of these words, you are really seeing life as a cycle or "vrit" pulsating life. The mind, consciousness is called "chit". 1.2 says that a state of yoga is achieved when we can manage the fluctuations of the mind to find a true state of consciousness.
1.2 yogaś-citta-vr̥tti-nirodhaḥ
1.3 tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe-'vasthānam
1.4 vr̥tti sārūpyam-itaratra
When you are in a state of yoga, all misconceptions (vrittis) that can exist in the mutable aspect of human beings (chitta) disappear. 1.2. This is exactly why many people begin their yoga practice WITHOUT KNOWING IT. They want "peace" "calm". But how? By understanding the true nature of us and our minds...and to know these things are not the same. Finding our "true self" (drashtuh) gives us insight into our true nature. Therefore, 1.3 discusses that first important step...to understand that you are not your mind. You have a divine nature. Sutra 1.4 talks about how if one lacks that knowledge of true self, misconceptions (vritti) will skew and color our every perception and judgement every day, every moment.
So how do we 'uncolor" our thoughts? How do we begin to see clearly and improve our lives? This is the journey you can intentionally bring about...Talk to a yoga professional. If it resonates with you, email me at groovylotusyoga@gmail.com for info, guidance on how to begin your YOGA JOURNEY.