Yoga and Soccer: The Path to Enlightenment

The start of the World Cup with Mexico vs. South Africa made me think about the parallels of yoga and soccer. The word yoga means union, and the World Cup is just that: The world comes together during this exciting time. Even those of us not lucky enough to be watching the games live in South Africa, are glued to the TV. Which brings me to my next point. In yoga, we develop a focal point to help aide concentration. This focal point can be a candle, a chant, or even the body. In soccer, it's the ball. We follow the ball, or should I say, millions of us follow the ball. During this time, we are not thinking about anything else-- this is the goal (another similarity) of yoga: to quiet the mind.

The players are like the mind: running around trying to get focused. But what about when there's a goal? If it's your team, you have experienced enlightenment. If not, you return to the obstacles of yoga: anger, envy, etc. And if your team wins? Euphoria, bliss, Samadhi (the goal of yoga--union with the divine). And if your team loses? You experience klesa (pain, anguish, suffering).

It's only the beginning of the World Cup, and at least I have a few choices. I was born in Brazil of Mexican parents, and I am an American Citizen. I root for all three of my countries, since they are all in my heart. Brazil is the world's favorite, however, as the underdog, I always root for Mexico first. I think they should all win, so there will be no suffering. (At least until the finals...) Just three more weeks left of Samadhi or Klesa!

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