The mystical words on this blackboard were originally written by Hafiz, a 14th C Sufi poet. Ralph Emerson described Hafiz as ‘the poet for poets’. Hafiz’s poems about the beauty of this life hit us right in the heart. The deeper truths he reveals with his words can be felt, (not just understood).

The wisdom of Hafiz’s words stand the test of time. Echoes of the same message can be seen in the below words from modern spiritual teacher Ram Dass.

‘You are loved just for being who you are, just for existing.
You don’t have to do anything to earn it.
Your shortcomings, your lack of self-esteem, physical perfection, or social and economic success- none of that matters.
No one can take this love away from you, and it will always be here.’
-Ram Dass

There is a deeper essence of our being, waiting to be discovered. A divine love that is eternal, unchanging and that exists in us all.

This may sound quite esoteric and unfamiliar to many of us. Societal conditioning, driven by materialism and a culture that heralds the triumph of the competitive ego, doesn’t naturally encourage a deep connection to this essence. The good news is- it is very possible! At Kalyan Yoga we practice daily meditation and contemplative hatha yoga as a way of quietening the mind and reconnecting to our hearts.

Yogi is a completely experiential science, there is limited value in understanding things intellectually if we don’t also practice. Getting onto the mat (and regularly) is our best way to experience yogic teachings of oneness and reconnecting to the astonishing light of our own being.