I receive daily emails from Yoga Journal in my inbox. From day to day they vary on topics of discussion. This one really resonated with me today.
It's important to have a daily meditation practice, to have a developing ability to see thoughts clearly, and to reside in our bodily experience. But having deep experiences during meditation is not enough. If we want to know how we're doing in our practice, we have to examine our life. Unless we begin to connect it with the rest of our life, our practice—however strong, calm, or enjoyable—ultimately will not be satisfying.
The real measure of practice is whether, little by little, we can find our edge, that place where we're closed down in fear, and allow ourselves to experience it. This takes courage, but courage isn't about becoming fearless. Courage is the willingness to experience our fears. And as we experience our fears, courage grows. Noticing our edge and trying to meet it also allows us to develop compassion, not just for ourselves but for the whole human drama. Then, with an increasing sense of lightness and curiosity, we can keep moving toward a more open and genuine life.
Namaste
Saturday 64
I know it has been a week since my last post, but here are a few words for thought.
In yoga it's not about getting somewhere or something or stacking up. It's more about releasing and emptying. As you practice, make space and sit with whatever is. Advancing in yoga is understanding the various layers of yourself and each pose. It's not about pushing through.
Yoga embodies the dual qualities of effort and awareness (ease) no matter how difficult a pose may be. if there isnt even a little bit of a cultivation of ease, back off and become aware, don't let ego get in the way. Trace a sense of emotional relaxation into each pose, no matter how hard, practice releasing tension rather than pushing and treat each class, each pose, with constant curiosity.
Namste
In yoga it's not about getting somewhere or something or stacking up. It's more about releasing and emptying. As you practice, make space and sit with whatever is. Advancing in yoga is understanding the various layers of yourself and each pose. It's not about pushing through.
Yoga embodies the dual qualities of effort and awareness (ease) no matter how difficult a pose may be. if there isnt even a little bit of a cultivation of ease, back off and become aware, don't let ego get in the way. Trace a sense of emotional relaxation into each pose, no matter how hard, practice releasing tension rather than pushing and treat each class, each pose, with constant curiosity.
Namste
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