Being Authentic. Not Perfect

The quote we often grew up hearing in school is "Practice makes perfect". We are all unique individuals with distinct potentials and capabilities that need to be respected and nourished in an individualized manner. So our quest is not be perfect, as defined by an external reference, but rather to be authentic to our true Self. This is true not just regarding how we look, but more importantly, how we feel and how we express our feelings and potential.

Yoga, especially in the tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar, who developed Viniyoga guides us to be authentic. Yoga teaches us that even though we are neither inferior nor superior to others, we are most definitely not homogeneous.

As human beings, we have outsourced our knowledge sources to external references, by rejecting the natural wisdom which lies in our heart. We try to fit into the illusions of perfection as defined by structured mind. While structure in mind is necessary to a certain degree, it can become dangerous when we give it too much power and influence. Yoga teaches us to reach out to the heart and link with it so that we can naturally become a better version of ourselves.

The idea of perfection is created through the illusion of learning. Does a banana tree go to school to yield bananas? Does a tiger go to university to become a perfect tiger? Such knowledge is inherent within the species and all they have to do is follow their intuition and authenticity. None of them want to become another species. They merely follow their inherent wisdom to become the best version of themselves.

It is important to remind ourselves that

• Perfection is an illusion created by the mind
• Perfection does not exist
• There is no one perfect, never has been and never will be.

Authenticity, on the other hand, is more reasonable, natural and real. We need to honor our authenticity and use yoga to help us become the best version of ourselves. This is the message of yoga.

Article by Viniyoga Teacher Dr.Kausthub Desikachar

Website: http://khyf.net/