As the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement has been signed, the Ancient Wisdom of Yoga can be found in the most unlikely of places.

 

So how did I make this quantum thought leap from an African Trade Agreement to Yoga?

Yoga literally means Union, to come into union – and the realisation of the Self, the True Self.

Africa is a continent of many states. Each doing their own thing, their own way.

But all are part of one geographical mass. Africa.

The individual is comprised of many states too – ego, shadow, personality, soul, mind – finding expression through the body.

And when the individual can acknowledge, accept and unite all aspects, all parts, the individual knows its true nature.

Then real change occurs.

Then miracles happen.

And the power of unity can be fully expressed, as one.

 

Now this probably all sounds very ‘ring-a-ring-a-rosy’

The thing is – Yoga also means to yoke, to bind.

And this is where it becomes interesting. For both Africa and the individual.

It is not just a matter of signing an agreement and all go home to play their golden sitar.

Now the real journey starts.

 

The journey is one of understanding and compassion

It is a journey of doing the work – like practicing the asanas (postures).

With commitment and dedication.

Some asanas take a long time to blossom into full expression and the body cannot be forced or hurried. The body will open into the asana when it is safe and ready to do so. Not a moment before.

Otherwise there is injury.

 

Practice and All is Coming, said Pattabhi Jois

Yoga will teach you that when the body, mind and heart function as one entity, a sense of well-being can be experienced.

No more being pulled into different directions.

The individual is centred, balanced and in its true power.

Not a power to destruct or operate for self gain – rather one that knows that the strength of unity lies in the balance of each of its parts.

 

Let us not amputate or atrophy

But rather honour.

Support.

And integrate.

All that we are, all that we have been, and all that we have the potential to become.

Let the Scramble stop.

Individually and collectively.

 

Nelson Mandela was a yogi, I am sure

 

‘I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.’http://www.azquotes.com/quote/185365

 

 

For once – may we know we are everything we need

Right here.

Right now.

Because within us, lies the greatness we have been looking for.