Have you ever done something and thought, "Wow! I've never done that before. I didn't know that was in me. I wonder what else is in there that I'm not using."? In other words, you had a glimpse of your potential-the untapped wellspring of wondrousness that lies within. We have the opportunity to create, experience and offer so much, if only we allow ourselves to tap into our fullness.
In sanskrit, the word for fullness is purna. Purna is our full potential; it is wholeness, completeness, perfection. It is reality; we are already whole. The path to fullness is self-realization. We already have it, we just have to realize it and use it. Yoga is an excellent way to realize and use our fullness. When we realize the vast power within us, we can share our joy and creativity with the world.
In Hindu mythology, there is a character that teaches us about fullness. It is Hanuman, the mighty ape that aided Lord Rama in his expedition against evil forces. Hanuman's tale in the epic Ramayana -- where he is assigned the responsibility to locate Rama's wife Sita abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka -- is known for its astounding ability to inspire and equip a reader with all the ingredients needed to face ordeals and conquer obstructions in the way of the world. At one point in his pursuit to rescue Sita, he actually leaps across an entire ocean. This is where we get the name for the pose Hanumanasana in Yoga (it looks like the side splits, or a grand leap if the same posture was in the air).
The character of Hanuman teaches us of the unlimited power that lies unused within each one of us. Hanuman directed all his energies towards Lord Rama, and his undying devotion made him such that he became free from all physical fatigue. He is an example of using one's full potential. Now, you do not have to devote yourself to some Lord to be full. You can simply choose to devote yourself to yourself, to recognizing your own fullness and using that to enjoy a happy life. You will automatically affect others in a positive way when you are living in fullness.
How does yoga fit in? Yoga challenges us to do things we never thought we could. We try things that are difficult and we do them. We are full in our practice, no matter where we are. And as we grow, the edge of our limitation grows with us, our potential grows and we rise to meet it. We get stronger (physically and mentally) in every moment. Each pose, each breath of awareness, is a chance to realize and meet our fullness.
May you realize, live and enjoy fullness. Namaste.
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