Part of the human experience is an innate longing to belong. This can manifest as yearning for a romantic partnership, a desire to fit in, the need for positive acknowledgement from family and friends (hence the wild obsession with Facebook likes). A sense of love and acceptance among our nearest and dearest can temporarily ease this longing. But there may still be an underlying sense of disconnect or emptiness.

In yogic terms, the root of this longing is a false sense of separation from the infinite. While yoga and meditation offer many physical and emotional benefits, the ultimate objective of the practice is to reconnect with the divine, experience a state of union. Experiencing this union – even if just for a moment - can be ecstasy. In this state, you can sense that you are already complete in and of yourself. That you are not separate: you are part of the infinite and the infinite is in you.

Accepting the divinity in individual experience is empowering. In this state, you can experience the full extent of your strength and resilience, your wisdom, your grace. You can tap into your own innate understanding of all things. You can experience a state of love, self-love and compassion for all. Love embodied. You don’t need to find love outside of you, love is in you. You ARE love.

So how can you achieve this state? Meditate. And when you meditate, immerse yourself in the experience. Focus fully on the mantra, the breath, the movement. As the mind gets distracted, rein it back in.

It takes practice. Sometimes a lifetime. Maybe more. You might not achieve that coveted state of yoga / union just yet, but know it’s there and enjoy the many benefits of your practice as you head that way. From a calmer mind to greater self-acceptance to more heart-oriented living.