Day 74: Philosophy & Transformation in Goa
One of the most meaningful and transformative aspects of the Sober Girls Yoga India Retreat in Goa is the opportunity to immerse ourselves in yoga philosophy discussions, circles and conversations. Against the backdrop of beaches, palm trees and the ocean, we explore the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras and how they guide us in modern life. Each day, I lead discussions on different philosophical themes, weaving in personal reflections, storytelling, and guided journaling to deepen our understanding.
Witnessing the Mind: Understanding the Vrittis
On the first day, we delved into the concept of vrittis - the thought spirals that shape our perception of the world. These mental fluctuations - right knowledge, wrong knowledge, imagination, sleep, and memory - can either serve or hinder us. The key is learning to observe them rather than becoming entangled in them. During my Yoga Sutra Study, I emphasize the importance of simply witnessing the mind. Sometimes people get caught up in the specific categories themselves and what applies where. They might ask me, “Alex, is this thought imagination or misconception?” My response is always the same: it doesn’t matter which category the thought falls into - what matters is that you are developing the ability to observe your mind. Once you recognize that your thoughts are narrating your experience, your relationship with reality shifts. You begin to see things as they truly are.
The Roots of Suffering: Exploring the Kleshas
The next day, we examined the kleshas - the five causes of suffering that keep us trapped in cycles of distress. These afflictions, outlined in the Yoga Sutras, remind us that suffering is not random but rooted in fundamental misperceptions:
Avidya (Ignorance) – Misunderstanding the nature of reality.
Asmita (Egoism) – Identifying with the ego rather than the true self.
Raga (Attachment) – Clinging to pleasure and comfort.
Dvesha (Aversion) – Resisting pain and discomfort.
Abhinivesha (Fear of Death) – Clinging to life and the familiar, even when it no longer serves us.
Understanding these afflictions allows us to witness where they appear in our lives and work toward dissolving them through awareness and meditation. After our discussion, I invited retreat guests to reflect on the kleshas through journaling, offering these prompts:
Avidya: What is one truth I now see clearly that I didn’t before?
Asmita: What labels do I attach to my identity?
Raga: What am I attached to that is causing me suffering?
Dvesha: What situations do I resist or try to avoid?
Abhinivesha: What fears keep me from stepping into my highest self?
As I guided them through this process, I reflected on my own journey. I used to be consumed by financial anxiety, fearful that I would never have enough. Now, even when facing financial challenges - like refunding thousands of dollars due to a retreat venue change - I feel a deep sense of peace. I’m not afraid of being financially burdened by this. I know I will get what I need when I need it. That is freedom.
I also used to fear situations that felt out of my control, like having to move a retreat venue mid-retreat. And yet, when the moment arrived, everything unfolded smoothly. I realized that I had been carrying fears that no longer had power over me.
Healing Through Experience: Overcoming Old Beliefs
Through this retreat, I have also confronted deeper personal fears. I thought a lot this week about the belief I used to have that I was “unlovable” because there was so much wrong with me. I’ve overcome this belief over the last five years, but I think experiencing sexual assault would be something that would fall into that category of something that might make me unlovable - an example of avidya and asmita at work. Though I knew this belief was false, it still lingered in my subconscious. Yet through open conversations, I was able to free myself from that belief.
Each day, I feel myself stepping further into freedom, which was perfectly encapsulated in the chant I shared at the end of practice today:
I was lost but now I’m found
I was blind but now I see
I was captive now I’m free
Free at last
These words are about transformation from spiritual ignorance (avidya) into lightness. They remind us that freedom from addiction, from trauma, from suffering, is possible. That we can move through our suffering, step into our truth, and embrace the light of self-awareness.
Practical Application: Integrating Yoga Philosophy into Daily Life
The beauty of these teachings is that they extend far beyond our time in Goa. Here are some ways to integrate the lessons of the Yoga Sutras into daily life:
Self-Inquiry: Regularly ask yourself: Where is ignorance (avidya) shaping my perception? How is my ego (asmita) shaping my story? How do my attachments (raga) and aversions (dvesha) keep me stuck? What am I afraid of (abhinivesha) right now?
Mindfulness & Meditation: When a strong emotional reaction arises, pause. Observe it. Ask, What is this teaching me?
Yoga Practice: Use discipline (tapas) to move through discomfort, self-study (svadhyaya) to bring awareness to your patterns, and surrender (Ishvarapranidhana) to trust in the greater unfolding of life.
Sutra 2.10 and 2.11 give us the solutions to the Klesha. 2.11 says to begin practicing meditation. My meditation practice is what I know has gotten me through the challenges of the last few months (tomorrow I hit seventy days of twice daily Vedic Meditation! Rory and I are co-hosting a retreat in May where he will be teaching Vedic Meditation - come join us here) Rory is also going to be teaching Vedic Meditation on the 200 Hour YTT that I’m leading in July. Join us here!
A Journey of Liberation
Tomorrow is the final day of this India retreat. This week, I have witnessed incredible transformations in each woman present. The safe space we have created together allows for vulnerability, growth, and profound healing. Goa is not just a backdrop for our journey; it is a sanctuary where we shed old fears, rewrite our narratives, and step into the light of self-discovery.
We arrived with burdens, fears, and doubts. And yet, as we move through our days of yoga, philosophy, and connection, we are finding something deeper—ourselves. And that, more than anything, is true freedom.
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The Yoga Sutras & the Modern World
We live in a fast-paced world full of distractions, stress, and uncertainty—so how can an ancient text like the Yoga Sutras help us today? The truth is, these teachings were designed for the mind, providing timeless wisdom on how to navigate challenges, cultivate peace, and live with intention. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a dedicated practitioner, or just someone seeking more clarity and balance, this course will help you apply the Sutras in ways that feel relevant to your daily life. Our next session begins March 23 & March 26—join us today!
Your Path to Becoming a Yoga Teacher Starts Here
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