Yoga with Jen
Ogres, Onion, and the Search for Purpose: Wisdom from Shrek
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"Ogres are like onions. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers." – Shrek
I’m not an expert, but I’ve witnessed firsthand through the lens of military retirement how losing a sense of purpose can ripple through every part of life. Service often becomes identity. It shapes not just the one who serves, but the family who serves alongside. And when that identity shifts, in this case through separation from the military (veterans, retirees), it feels like a loss. It’s easy to feel untethered, unsure of who you are beyond the role you’ve always known.
I recently attended a webinar through the VA on “Connection to Purpose”, exploring how the science behind yoga can help our veterans (and the rest of us) do just that. Find a purpose beyond service, beyond this life-altering chapter.
This quote from Shrek popped into my head like an “a-ha” moment during the training. Shrek is right; we all have layers. We shouldn’t be defined by what’s on the surface. You have to peel back the layers. Yoga describes these layers through the kosha model, a map of the physical body, breath, mind, intuition, and joy. Exploring and working through these layers is how we connect (or re-connect) with who we are at the core.
Getting to Know the Kosha Model:
Annamaya kosha (physical body): We connect by noticing sensations, practicing grounding movement, or simply scanning the body. This is probably what you think of when you hear “yoga”. This is just the beginning.
Pranamaya kosha (energy/breath): Awareness of the breath can enhance relaxation and cultivate focused attention for those moments when you’re feeling untethered. This is explored through breath control, such as counting, even breathing, or slowing the breath. Keep going!
Manomaya kosha (mind/emotions): We observe thoughts, stories, and feelings without getting swept away by them. Welcoming opposites, responding to both negative and positive.
Vijnanamaya kosha (wisdom/intuition): Here we tap into inner knowing, the quiet voice beneath the noise. We can’t stop the noise, but here we can find a safe space away from it.
Anandamaya kosha (bliss/joy): At our core, we find gratitude, connection, and glimpses of peace.
Through yoga, we gently peel back each layer. Not to escape, but to arrive more fully in ourselves.
This month in my classes, we’ll explore these layers as a way of reconnecting to self. We’ll move through intention setting, body scans, breath awareness, noticing opposites, and practices of gratitude and joy. Because when we remember who we are, we’re better able to connect to what matters most.
And in the end? Shrek had it right. We all have layers. The work of yoga is learning to honor them, one by one, until we arrive at the center.
