KEEP THE PRACTICE ALIVE

"I can't always understand the world but I can also come back to the tools of my practice when I can't understand anything that's going on... and somehow it gives me more peace. I think that's what makes our yoga practice in NY such a strong one; in that, there is a lot to contend with. I think the best thing the practice can do is it evolve and to shift and to stay true to tradition; and yet also evolve, and shift and change to meet the needs and the demands of contemporary life. So what I would say to future generations of yogis is, "Thank you and please keep the practice alive. Please keep the practice alive." - Ali Cramer

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Before yoga I didn't know who I was. I participated in a lot of activities, but it felt like I was just following a schedule that didn't speak to me. I was good at some things, but I didn't recognize any as obvious talents. When I was younger I was subconsciously jealous of people who were singers, dancers, athletes, musicians, scientists, actors; pretty much anyone who was passionate about their craft. It's like they found their special something, their light at such an early age. And sometimes I still that way but instead of jealousy I feel excited for them.

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Granted, no one really stays the same forever. Writers turn books into movies, athletes become business-people, actors become fashion designers; basically we all evolve into different versions of ourselves even if it stems from our something special. I'm certainly not the same person I was 10 years ago or even 5 years ago; I don't even feel the same way I did last week, and thank goodness for that!

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The world will pull us in different directions, and the practice of yoga keeps me grounded... it brings me back "home" which is the tradition Ali speaks of and it helps me stay present no matter how much I evolve today, tomorrow or in the future.

#loveyourselfunconditionally