In the past and still in remote areas of the world, farmers used animals to pull tools through the ground. The tools would shuffle and prepare the soil for the next crop. A yoke is the wooden bar used to join those animals, usually cows or bulls, at the back of their heads so that they can pull together.

The process of putting yokes on the animals is often referred to as "yoking up". Every season, farmers "yoke up" their animals so that they can do their work. The word "yogi" has its origins in the Sanskrit language. Its meaning is "to join", "to get into work", "to make an effort". And from the same source comes the word "yoke".

Just as farmers "yoke up" their cows to do their work, a yogi gets to work.

Gets to work on controlling the body and mind through willpower.

Gets to work on a meditation practice to develop awareness of their thoughts without attachment or judgment.

Gets to work on proper breathing techniques to increase vitality and avoid disease.

Gets to work on regulating emotions by developing mental clarity.

Gets to work on cultivating gratitude and contentment with life.

Gets to work on understanding themselves and life better through self-study, reflection, and contemplation.

Gets to work on physical training and development to keep the body in its natural and normal state.

So, just like the graceful animals, let’s put in the work and make a continuous effort to prepare our mental soil for the seeds of unfoldment, growth, and self-improvement.

Being a modern yogi means more than just physical stretching or exercise. It is aimed at unfolding as a human, keeping the body healthy, and controlling the mind and emotions. It is a path based on cultivating awareness and understanding of our inner selves. Through self-discipline and dedication, the yogi science can help you reach higher levels of understanding, clarity, and peace, allowing you to live a balanced life filled with joy and contentment.