Dancing with Shiva

Shivaratri, or Maha Shivaratri, is one of the most important and widely celebrated Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The word "Shivaratri" translates to "The Night of Shiva," and it falls on the 14th night of the new moon during the 12th month of the Hindu calendar.

This night is seen as an opportunity for devotees to worship Shiva, reflect on his teachings, and connect with his transformative energy. It’s believed that this auspicious night brings spiritual awakening, as it marks the convergence of the energies of the moon, sun, and earth. Shiva is considered the embodiment of inner silence, meditation, and transcendence, and Shivaratri invites us to connect with these aspects of ourselves.

Devotees often observe fasting, engage in night-long vigils, chant mantras (especially Om Namah Shivaya), and participate in prayers. The night symbolises the overcoming of darkness and ignorance, leading to spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

While I don't celebrate Shiva in these traditional ways, I find it important to reflect on the importance of his story within my own life and I honour this by sharing inspired practices in my yoga classes.

As a yoga teacher deeply connected to the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, the teachings of Lord Shiva have always resonated with me. Revered as the Lord of Destruction and Transformation, Shiva's energy in my life has been nothing short of profound.

In yoga, we learn that Shiva represents the energy of destruction—but not in the sense of chaos or violence. Rather, he symbolises the destruction of ignorance, old thought patterns, and the ego. For me, this has been the core of my personal practice: letting go of the old to make way for the new. Shiva teaches us that to evolve and grow spiritually, we must let go of attachments, fears, and outdated beliefs.

Shiva's importance in my life stems from his balance of fierce power and profound stillness. He is both the Yogi and the Warrior—meditating in Mount Kailash, yet also engaged in battles that require great strength. This duality reminds me that true strength comes not from brute force, but from inner peace and balance. As a teacher, I encourage my students to embody this energy—combining the calmness of breath and stillness with the intensity of focused effort on the mat.

But Shiva also represents compassion. His compassion is boundless—whether it's the way he protects his devotees or the way he dances the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. It teaches me that true power is not about dominance, but about loving, accepting, and transforming the world around us through kindness.

Through his stories, I've learned that every aspect of life—whether it's pain, joy, or fear—can be transformed with the right perspective. Shiva’s philosophy isn’t about escaping the world, but about embracing it, transforming it, and transcending our limitations. And this is the heart of my yoga practice: embracing everything as it is, allowing it to shift and transform, and letting go of what no longer serves me.

On this Shivaratri, I invite you to reflect on the ways Shiva's energy can inspire transformation in your own life. What can you release to invite in something new? What parts of you are ready to be reimagined and reborn?