This morning, I actually took time to read a bit of this month's Yoga Journal, and came across an excerpt from Kelly Corrigan's book, Tell Me More. What caught me eye was that the excerpt was entitled, "It's Like This," a phrase I've used routinely since attending Wanderlust Detroit in October. The theme of one of the Wanderlust classes was just that: "Right now--it's like THIS."
That simple phrase has kept me grounded at times when I've thought, "Really?!" when things didn't go quite as I thought they should. It reminds me to not let my mind get stuck in obstacles, chattering about a no-longer-existent past and a not-yet-existent future. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras address this as the qualities of the mind with which all of us struggle. Essentially, this ancient text tells us to BE HERE NOW. Here's the thing: acceptance doesn't mean submission. It doesn't mean we act like things are just fine. The idea that yogis just "let it go" with passivity is NOT the way it is. It's like THIS allows us to embrace life and move forward with dignity, determination, joy, sorrow, anger, laughter, contemplation...whatever seems to be the appropriate response at the moment. It's like THIS is truly the heart of yoga: not just the physical (asana) practice, but also breathing, meditation, self-awareness, and practices that give our lives meaning and purpose. What are you doing to BE HERE NOW?
4 Comments
Madalyn
2/8/2018 02:00:22 pm
Needed to read this so badly this morning!
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Lisa
2/8/2018 08:16:44 pm
Yes, the continual releasing of our aversions and attachments allows us to be here, in the now! Such a great reminder, in the midst of both joys and struggles!
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7/6/2018 01:44:24 am
Thank you for sharing great information with us.It's really nice.
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8/18/2021 01:53:29 pm
Mindfulness on the other hand, can be practiced informally (any time/place) as well as formally (specific time/place). For example, you could practice mindfulness while riding your bike through the park or while eating dinner with your family. You could also do a formal mindfulness practice by sitting for a set amount of time and focusing on the present moment with kind attention.
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Lisa MaddenYoga Instructor, Owner, In2 Yoga, Human BEING ArchivesCategories |