Yoga Is The Fountain of Youth
Lauren Howard, Intermediate Yoga, Spring 2026
Yoga Reflection Assignment: Exploring a Yama or Niyama
For my reflection I have chosen Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to something greater) because I believe this is the most important category on the list. I believe that acknowledging and paying attention to how you feel about your personal Ishvarapranidhana is an indication of how well connected you are with joy. I call this a sense of being on the right path or in alignment with all the best parts of life. When your words, actions and thoughts are positive you surrender to the well-being that abounds in the Universe.
My perception of this principle shows up on my mat every time I step up or sit down to do some yoga. My dominant intent is to be present in my body and connected to the strength in my body that is connected to the energy that helps me breathe. I trust in the Universe to lead me through the movements and enrich my body mind and spirit.
To me surrendering to something greater is participating in my life with the wellbeing that abounds in the Universe at the forefront of my perception. When I am outside of class the strength, flexibility, and balance that I seek in my yoga practice gives me more clarity so that I can shape my beliefs to support my life goals in my everyday relationships. In general, the joy of living, paying attention to the wellbeing that supports all life, is a good practice for right action.
Any resistance that I have to Ishvarapranidhana shows up as negative attitudes and irritations to conditions. This is the work. Life is full of conditions that are unpleasing on grand and small levels. Staying focused on the good, one day at a time, trusting that wellbeing abounds, and doing my best to get positive momentum helps me stay on and recognize my right path. The things you focus on get bigger. Focusing on the good is my dominant intent…It is not always easy and the easier it gets the easier it gets.
Showing up and doing my best for things that are important to me is the most practical step I take this week and this semester to apply the Ishvarapranidhana principle in my yoga practice. I will be stronger in body mind and spirit through the exercise and practice of increasing flexibility, strength and balance on my yoga mat. Yoga is the fountain of youth because it connects us to the well-being that abounds in the Universe.
My additional $.02
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