Have a Joyful Saturday!

Following the Example of the Nature

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors and the quality of the light. The nature seems to be like one big painting which is in a constant metamorphosis.

As I watched the trees dropping their leaves getting ready for the winter, I understood that's what we humans should do as well. As the winter gets closer, we should turn within and drop all the baggage which is holding us back and dragging us down whether it is a relationship, work or some material object. We should look inside and try to figure out who we are and what we really need in order to blossom when the spring comes.

Pictures from here, here, here, here, here and here.

Enlightenment = Laughter?

"Have you noticed how many highly enlightened souls, like the Dalai Lama are laughers?  They always seem to have this twinkle in their eyes and a chuckle beneath their every breath. The corners of their lips are in a perpetual upward swoop and every now and then, there is a delicious laugh emanating from deep inside their body" (link). 

I have always thought being a spiritual master is something very serious and restricted. I have practiced in order to become like them, or something like them. But wasn't actually sure that's what I wanted. Really, don't they seem a bit boring to you? Just recently I have encountered a different kind of enlightenment and started observing these enlightened souls, who are actually not supressing their feelings or losing their sarcastic natures. I have come to a conclusion that a true enlightenment is not serious or dull in any sense.

I have experienced enlightenment (or at least that's what I think it was) a couple of times. The feeling is amazing! It's like a huge burst of tingling energy, which feels so good that you just want to laugh. And cry. And laugh again. I have always thought the feeling of enlightenment would be something mysterious. Colors and fireworks and oriental music playing around. Or at least something topped with special effects. But it's even better! 

It's the sense of everything "important" losing it's importance. Losing the self-importance of the ego and being one with your true nature of joy, peace and love. It's the complete feeling of inner silence and tranquility at the same time as the external expression of the hearty, wholesome laughter takes your face and body. Even in the times of the most excruciating pain you feel yourself content. There is no possibility to think anything else besides the present moment, when the force of laughter gets you. You are in a complete state of awareness and openness. All the absurdity and ridiculousness of the societal constructions and social relationships becomes visible. Suddenly everything makes sense and nothing makes sense at all. The feeling just makes you laugh.

When Osho was asked what was the first thing he did after he became enlightened, he replied "I laughed".

Pictures from here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Picture from here.

" Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people the right to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others "

-Nelson Mandela-

Magical Midsummer Eve!

Picture from here.

Yoga - Connecting People

As you might have noticed a new yoga blog, Yoga Illumination, is born. The aim of the site is to follow my journey of becoming a yoga teacher RYT500. I will post my thoughts and comments of yoga philosophy, asanas (yoga poses) as well as some random thoughts. I will be offering private yoga lessons in Finland starting from fall 2013 and anyone interested can contact me via email: yogailluminationfinland@gmail.com

You can also follow us on

twitter: https://twitter.com/yogailluminated

instagram: http://instagram.com/yogaillumination

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogaillumination

The reason why this post is called Yoga - Connecting People, is because I wish this site could also be a contact forum for anyone interested in yoga in Finland or abroad. I would love to create a true Yoga IllumiNATION, without any regional, religious or other borders. So please leave your comments in here or in Facebook, follow, share and read. A specific forum page will be created later on.

The sanskrit word yoga means connection. Connection to oneself, connection of the body, mind and spirit, connection to divinity and to universe, but also a social connection. In my life yoga has shown to be a connection to people, to animals and to nature. Yoga is a way of living and communicating. We are all connected and that's what the site is for.

Picture from here.

Translation: Yoga Illumination on blogi, joka seuraa etenemistäni joogaopettajaksi RYT500. Blogissa kirjoittelen ajatuksiani joogafilosofiasta, asanoista sekä asioista yleensä. Tarkoituksenani on alkaa tarjota  yksityisopetusta syksystä lähtien. Mikäli olet kiinnostunut huokeista yksityistunneista pääkaupunkiseudulla, ota yhteyttä: yogailluminationfinland@gmail.com

Tämän sivun tarkoitus on yhdistää ihmisiä kansallisuudesta, uskonnosta tai muista tekijöistä riippumatta.  Sanskritin sana jooga tarkoittaa yhteyttä todelliseen itseen; yhteyttä kehon, mielen sekä hengen välillä; yhteyttä kaikkeuteen, mutta myös sosiaalista yhteyttä. Minun elämässäni jooga tarkoittaa yhteyttä toisiin ihmisiin, eläimiin sekä luontoon. Jooga on tapa olla olemassa ja yhteydessä. Olemme kaikki yhtä.

Namaste!

Do one thing every day that scares you.

- Eleanor Roosevelt