Modern Take On What Is Enlightenment

Modern Take On What Is Enlightenment

When I took my yoga teacher training (ytt) some five years ago, one of the main topics that was brought up and discussed quite a bit was  what Enlightenment means. This is what it means to me now 5 years later. 

Impossible

My initial thoughts on enlightenment were that it seems impossible and very strange. It bothered me that there was no set definition for me to read and understand. 

I realized that everyone who experiences it has a different way of explaining it. It is beautiful that there are so many versions of an enlightened state because that makes it seem less intimidating and more attainable if you are willing to put in the time.

Magic

Magic is defined as an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural force. It is seen as something mysterious and unsettling. 

It is also described as wonderful, beautiful and extravagant. Magic is something that is both light and dark, good and evil, it is what it is as you use it. To me, enlightenment is magic that you already have within yourself. 

Everyone has a little magic in them and if they are willing to be devoted to their practice and find the ability to find balance in all areas in life in order to make room in their minds to become enlightened.

Drinking

For me right now, enlightenment is no where near my reach. I have been working to better myself for a few years, I have accomplished a lot on my own. 

I quit drinking and started to sort through some of my traumas but there were times when my thoughts would race and I couldn’t keep track of all of them. 

When I started doing yoga, I could almost feel my mind opening up to allow me to slow down my thoughts and start to heal. That to me seemed like a tiny thread of enlightenment. 

Overcome

Enlightenment is something you work towards but there is a lot you have to overcome in order to reach it. You need to be able to find your truth and that will allow you to connect with everything on a deeper level. 

Doing this will give you a greater sense of appreciation and compassion towards yourself and others. I believe that as you keep healing you get tiny threads of happiness and then you want to share it because you know that everyone else suffers too. 

We are connected through suffering because everyone experiences it. It is important to remember that we are also connected by kindness. 

Helping

Through helping people, you learn a lot about yourself and you are able to go deeper into your practice. And the deeper you are able to go, the more you can help yourself and others.

Enlightenment is a liberation and a state of great knowing. Being enlightened creates union because an enlightened person is someone who knows that humanity would be better off if we all worked together but the first step is encouraging others to look inside themselves. 

An enlightened person wants to make the world a better place and they do so through teaching. It is a privilege and an honor to become enlightened and have the ability to guide others on their journey and give them hope.