Yoga as a Ritual

I have noticed that my yoga practices do embody many characteristics that would make them be considered ritualistic.

First of all when I entered the practice today I noticed that taking off my shoes and getting on my mat felt like a separation stage stage of a ritual.  As I laid on my mat waiting for practice to start I felt as if I was leaving my old self behind;  I recognized this was the liminal phase.  Finally, there was an incorporation phase when the practice was over I had completed the ritual.

While each yoga practice is only a mild ritual, this ritual was a good way to slow down my busy day and just be.