Harmony

“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul creates the symphony of life.” — BKS Iyengar

I’ve been meditating on the word “Harmony” this week.

Here are a few definitions:

order or congruity of parts to their whole or to one another
a relationship in which various components exist together without destroying one another
an interweaving of different accounts into a single narrative

When we practice yoga, we practice not only for ourselves, but also for everyone and everything around us. Because we are permeable (not solid, but rather a collection of vibrating particles), when we become aware of something internally, it not only affects our perception and therefore the way we see and experience what is outside of us, but also affects the universal consciousness.

So, when we bring our awareness to our inner harmony, we are inherently creating a more harmonious environment outside of ourselves, as well. Yoga is this harmony. Yoga is the path to this harmony.

And here’s the coolest part: that inner harmony which inspires peace and working together toward a common goal is our natural state, always here, deeply seated within every single one of us. Even when we have tumultuous feelings or are ill, there always lies within us this most perfect harmony. It’s not something we have to achieve or create, but rather get quiet and still enough in order to hold space, notice, and allow it.

“If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character. If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nations. When there is order in the nations, there will be peace in the world.” — Confucius