Modern Fulfilment Through Ancient Wisdom

Your Fulfilment Is In Your Control

You may not be aware of this if your regular yoga class resembles more of a workout than a work-in, but yoga teaches that whatever shizzle is going on in your life, however far you’ve strayed from who you could be or thought you would be, it’s up to you to first witness that, overcome it, move past it, and essentially grow because of it. 

And, side note, as an infinite expression of the divine no less, you are already fully equipped for the job! 

But please don’t panic. Red star-spangled underpants and blue corset are not required. Neither, funnily enough, is a perfect crow pose, warrior stance, or chaturanga. 

Your capacity to master your mind, manage your energy, self-govern, and do whatever it takes to create a life that is truly fulfilling for yourself, are!  

Not easy, as I was saying—but totally possible and liberating. 

Reaching Fulfilment Though Practice

This month, in our studio practices, we are continuing to take ourselves to account and explore our own ways to live to our highest potential. Leaning into what the yogis call Dharma and asking ourselves if we are, in fact, acting on it. 

But what is Dharma? From the Tantric Hatha Yoga perspective, each time we take an action, we are directing energy. That energy can grow and grow and snowball, which is why it makes sense to set clear intentions before we act and speak. This, in yoga, is a high form and a sustainable form, of accountability. 

In our studio or personal practice, this can be translated to being accountable for the results of our daily practice. In our life, this is about being accountable for the direction our whole life is taking. 

The Depth of Dharma: 

It’s important to stress that Dharma, in the context of Tantric Hatha Yoga, is a profound concept that transcends mere career or societal roles. In other words, Dharma is not your job! 

 It’s the inherent truth of your existence, the unique purpose that you are meant to fulfil in this lifetime. Rooted in ancient tradition, Dharma is about living in harmony with the universal laws of nature and principles that govern life. 

Big, meaty stuff for the mind to dig into, yes, but no, it’s not beyond you. Here’s why. 

Ancient Wisdom: 

The ancient sages intuited through deep meditation that everyone has a unique role to play in the cosmic order. They understood that fulfilling one’s Dharma leads to personal and collective harmony, while ignoring it leads to chaos and suffering.  

These sages also emphasised that Dharma is not fixed or static; it evolves as we grow and as our circumstances change.  

What’s required to live it out is being attuned to the present moment and responding to life with authenticity and integrity. 

High-Performance Coaching and Dharma: 

Now, be warned about misleading and incomplete interpretations of this beautiful wisdom. In recent years, the concept of Dharma has been hijacked and, in some cases, oversimplified by some folks in the high-performance coaching industry. Often rebranded as “finding your purpose” or “living your passion,” the essence of Dharma is sometimes diluted into a formula for achieving success and productivity. 

This style of coaching tends to focus on setting goals, maximising efficiency, and achieving tangible outcomes. While these aspects can be valuable, they can miss the deeper spiritual and existential dimensions of Dharma. This superficial interpretation often leads to a sense of burnout or emptiness, as people chase externally defined metrics of success rather than their true calling. Don’t say you weren’t warned. 

Here’s what to look out for: 

Ancient Teachings vs. Modern Misinterpretations: 

1. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: 

• Ancient sages taught that Dharma arises from within and is guided by a sense of inner knowing and spiritual alignment. 

• High-performance coaching sometimes emphasises external achievements and societal validation, which can lead individuals away from their true path. 

2. Holistic vs. Fragmented Approach: 

• The holistic approach of Dharma integrates mind, body, and spirit, recognising that true fulfilment comes from aligning all aspects of one’s life. 

• Modern coaching often compartmentalises life into career, health, and relationships, without addressing the interconnectedness of these domains. 

3. Process vs. Outcome: 

• The sages emphasised the journey of living one’s Dharma, valuing the process and personal growth over specific outcomes. 

• High-performance culture frequently prioritises the end results, potentially leading to a neglect of the valuable lessons learned along the way. 

What We’re Realising Today: 

Fortunately, I am seeing people becoming disillusioned with the relentless pursuit of external success which is leading to a growing realisation that the ancient wisdom of Dharma holds timeless truths. 

Here’s what many of us are coming to understand: 

1. Authenticity and Fulfilment: 

• True fulfilment comes from living authentically, in alignment with one’s inner values and purpose, rather than conforming to societal expectations. 

2. Sustainable Success: 

• When we align with our Dharma, success becomes sustainable. We avoid burnout because our actions are fuelled by a deep sense of purpose and passion. 

3. Interconnectedness: 

• Recognising the interconnectedness of all aspects of life, we start to see how personal well-being, relationships, and professional life are all intertwined. Living our Dharma brings harmony to all these areas. 

4. Adaptability: 

• Embracing the evolving nature of Dharma allows us to adapt to life’s changes with grace and resilience. We understand that our purpose can shift, and we remain open to new possibilities. 

If you relate to any of this you’re on your way to developing a Yogic mindset and may want to take this further with a committed complete Yoga practice.  

Here’s where to start. 

Practical Steps to Embrace True Dharma: 

1. Inner Reflection: 

• Regularly engage in self-reflection and meditation to tune into your inner voice. Ask yourself deep questions about what truly matters to you and listen to the answers that arise. 

2. Embodied Practices: 

• Use the tools of Tantric Hatha Yoga to connect with your body and energy. This helps clear mental and emotional blockages, allowing your true purpose to emerge more clearly. 

3. Authentic Living: 

• Make conscious choices that reflect your true values and purpose. This might mean making significant changes in your career, relationships, or lifestyle to align more closely with your Dharma. 

4. Community and Support: 

• Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages your journey towards authenticity and purpose. Seek mentors and peers who share similar values. 

Thank you for joining me on this deeper exploration of Dharma. I hope these insights inspire you to live with greater purpose, authenticity, and fulfilment.