Awkward hair phase.

  It took me probably over a year and a half, maybe even closer to two years, to get my hair to the length it is not, which is about shoulder/middle upper back-length now. Looking back, it doesn't seem that long and in fact, I've forgotten about so much of the time spent getting to this point; it's funny, in retrospect, just how many times I've threatened to cut it all off and go back to nothing. Well, very short and monk-like anyhow.

  It wasn't easy but it's worth it, if nothing else for the experience, because I'm pretty sure I'll probably lose a good bit of it at some later point in my life, thanks to genetics. It honestly constantly surprises me that my hair is capable of growing this long, so for me it's been an experience in all things yoga-like: patience... mostly patience, actually. And acceptance.
  I went through a lot of the aforementioned "awkward hair phases" during the process and looking back on them they make me laugh too, not just because of how they look but because those were not just awkward phases in my hair growth; they were awkward phases in my own growth. I'm not the same person I was then, if you know what I mean. If not, I simply mean that sticking to the experience teaches you a lot about yourself. To me, having long hair is more a sign of wisdom I've accrued in growing it, not at all for the sake of fashion or because I "look good with it".

  It's who I am right now. I have long hair. One day I will have short hair again, when it's time to. Or I won't.

  One just never knows what's in store..

Burning off impurities.

  It's actually the name of an album by Grails but as I was inverted in down dog, it seemed fitting for a way to describe my own practice of yoga: A method of burning off impurities, to be left with the purest essence. I'm almost positive the title is more of a reference to the culture of drugs but it's hard to tell; it can be a very fine line between drug use and spirituality, and if you need any examples of that then look no further than the 60's and 70's.

  My thought process also led me to pondering how these yoga "superstars" from India came to be so huge and developed their own systems within the practice of hatha yoga. I'm talking about Iyengar, Pattabi Jois (Ashtanga), Bikram, etc.
  Each one has their own theories on the practice, each of their practices comprises a complete system fo complete rejuvenation of all bodily systems. I, however, have a rebellious streak and lack a guru of my own, so I'm kind of left to my own devices, which means that my rebellious mind gets the best of me and sooner or later I reject everyone else's system in favor of my own (whatever that is).

  I usually end up doing my own practice, though while still following basic guidelines from these other schools of teaching. It's not perfect but I try my best to keep things balanced and interesting. Too much experimentation has always been my main detractor from finding lasting success i.e. finding something that works and sticking with that, rather than constantly jumping around back and forth, searching. But, having said that, perhaps I have not found that something (read: practice) that works for me yet.

  If there's one thing all these methods of thought and different schools of teaching can agree on, it's that it is a continuous journey, and the only way to achieve anything is to keep practicing. I translate that to include even my more neurotic or experimental moments and phases.
  I have no desire in creating my own "system" of yoga; I just want something that works for me, that feels complete for me and not just like I'm following someone else's instructions because what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. Shit, even the Buddha said not to take his word for anything and to find your own answers.

  I'll go with that.

kinetic intelligence.

  Exercise, which I will define here as any physical movement or activity that is repetitive in nature and with a clear intention, moves your blood. It increases your airflow and thus, intake of oxygen. That red red kroovy then forcefully flows through your circulatory system, hitting all parts of your body; some of which that constantly scream for not getting enough of the stuff.

  Your brain and mine is one such part.

  

  It lies dormant for most of the day, at least certain centers within it; ones that open up when things are flowing smoothly from one neuron to the next. It makes our grey matter very pleased to be awakened by an influx of oxygen, and we deserve it to not only ourselves but the whole of our human race to indulge it in its request. What do you really have to lose besides your intelligence and wit?

  Embrace your sapio-sexuality. 

  All this focus on exercise but the focus is empty, there's no substance to it; it's all a vain pursuit for our own personal holy grail. Of course a toned body is a very beautiful thing but then what? It becomes vapid, the least common denominator, the one who gets cut from the team. Suddenly something happens but no matter what, it's more so that one just doesn't allot the time for it anymore; it becomes unimportant, and this begins a series of negative and wholly holistically detrimental compulsions, such as smoking or mindless mastication.

  

  If you're going to do anything, do it mindfully with your complete attention and intense focus. Make it the only thing in the whole world and you have nothing but to complete your task. Make it a mission, some sort of spiritual pursuit. Make it mean something, make it fun. 

  There is no good, no bad; there is only intention and purpose. 

  Tell me, what is yours?