testing
Edward Vilga
yoga instructor. canine comrade. moviemaker.
Edward Vilga is an internationally known yoga instructor and author who has had six books published (many of which involve yoga) and written and directed two feature films. www.EdwardVilga.com
There was a lot of both the magic and the tragic in my childhood. Early on, I began to try to understand religion and philosophy. I remember reading yoga books when I was a young teenager, as a way of trying to figure out my life and be happier. That’s where things began for me.
Since then, I’ve continued to dig deeply. People often don’t want you to test and fine-tune things when it comes to belief systems and religions, but that’s what I love to do. It’s interesting to explore and play around with things like the Law of Attraction – to not be afraid of testing. I try to gain a better understanding of life on a spiritual level, in a way that really makes sense to me, even when that takes a turn toward the unusual.
One of my greatest teachers has been Belle, who’s a dog. I’d been teaching yoga in New York for several years at a place where I had to give a short talk that tied in with a spiritual theme at the start of class. Because I’d gotten endless inspiration from Belle, more and more of my talks involved her. At first, I was nervous that people would think of me as that crazy guy with the dog, but people actually found the talks and conversations about Belle appealing and helpful.
There’s something universal about Belle’s appeal. She’s amazing at so many of the spiritual concepts I strive for in my practice, like letting go, being in the present moment, and loving unconditionally. In some ways, she’s become my teacher of all the philosophical and spiritual truths I’ve wanted to increase in my own life.
Our incredible partnership evolved into Belle becoming my example of how to be happy, enlightened, and living in the moment. Because she’s so temperamentally suited to simply being and to loving people, I’ve had her certified as a service dog by the Humane Society. There’s real power in her presence, which reminds me that who I am and the energy I’m giving out is much more important than anything I can say.
Belle’s complete authenticity and honesty are so reassuring. She does more by being herself and being loving than a million words could do. She has an intrinsic sense of her own worthiness, which we humans sometimes don’t – we’re brainwashed to believe that we have to prove our worthiness. Belle doesn’t do that. She’s a constant, powerful reminder that we don’t have to justify our existence.
- Edward Vilga
Edward Vilga’s free eBook about Belle is available at www.UpwardDogBook.com.
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Today's Poll
When was the last time you sat down with someone and listened to their stories?
Our Take
testing • Pushing the boundaries. Not accepting “because” as an answer.
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