Movement has always been one of my forms of escapism.

I once said this to a person regarding yoga, and the response that came back has stuck with me ever since.

The person said that yoga was about deeper listening; it was a place for them to bring things to the surface that had been ignored, repressed, or set aside.

This statement is true and speaks to many individuals who appreciate the art of yoga in its multifaceted forms.

It’s also true for me, though it is what I would say to describe the why behind my practice.

I’ve created rituals for yoga, reiki, and now Jin Shin Jyutsu out of a deep desire to escape the conscious mind—aka the ego, physical identity, matter, and social constructs.

I have been a dreamer since I was small.

My greatest assignment thus far has been sourcing the tools to understand, communicate, and express this dream world —aka the subconscious and unseen energy.

escapism. noun. es·​cap·​ism is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm. : habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine.
—Source.

My self-soothing technique involves stepping away from the mundane into a fantasy realm.

Through imagination, I’ve gained great awareness, insight, and appreciation for my place in the perceived world I share with others.

Everything has a shadow side to offset the light, and I’ve gone through phases of indulging my imagination to avoid confronting my fears.

To quote Patanjali, who composed the philosophy of yoga, moderation is vital to a harmonious state of Being.

And Einstein is credited with saying that imagination is more important than knowledge.

I feel that escapism is a charged word, depending on your perspective and relationship with the fantastic and the fatal.

What do you think?

Sending you a trip through the stars,
Seraphina

Taking responsibility means that if you are sick, you must un­derstand that the body is bringing up a dream you have not yet known.

― Arnold Mindell

Source image/artwork by @essammarouf