Jo Perron, the pretzel, onion, and cake, all rolled into one!
Remember the animated film, Shrek? There was a comparison between ogres and onions- not the smell, but the layers. I think of yoga as an onion. Traditionally it is defined as the yoking or union of mind, body, and spirit. I prefer food metaphors.
Some people think of yoga as a pretzel. Being a flexible, pretzel type myself (I can still fold in half like I did when I was born a vaginal breech), my immature ego was validated by the ability to perform the poses (asanas). I was then really only at the most superficial layer of my understanding of yoga. Eventually, I came to realize that moment by moment awareness, mindfulness, and presence are the true gems and gifts of a regular yoga practice. The asanas are solely meant to release the body tension and thus facilitate spiritual movement or transformative growth. Being able to attain a certain external posture is like icing on the cake, but not the substance of the cake.
Yoga is not a religion. It is a particular philosophical approach to life. In the Yoga Sutra, an eight fold path is described which give guidelines delineating ethical standards, self-discipline and spiritual observances, asanas, breath work techniques, drawing the senses inward, mental concentration, meditation, and union with the Divine or enlightenment. These guidelines can assist the practitioner in navigating the challenges and stresses of everyday life, or what I call the soup of life.
What are the chicken nuggets to be gleaned from Yoga for the busy, mojo-less Pinkie overwhelmed with career disillusionment, loss, dysfunctional family members, soured sex drive, feeling stuck, and 20 pounds of excess weight? It’s about being present, now, knowing that externalities are ultimately beyond your control. What is under your control is your reaction to external circumstances with your breath being the portal to non-reactivity in stressful situations.
As I told Lissa last year, pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Are you ready to release and let go, Pinkies?
Namaste,
Jo Perrron
Tags: Joanne Perron, mindfulness, namaste, yoga
I was just thinking today how I should do more yoga, then I read this! Isn’t it great when that happens.
I also have to add that when you become accepting and loving of those external circumstances they tend to move in your favor and become more lovable.
Thanks for the nudge. When I get back from vacation, I am going to do some yoga!!!
Leslee
Isn’t the universe funny that way, Leslee? That happens to me all the time. I used to call it coincidence- now I call them signs. Or affirmations of whatever it was I was thinking/doing/planning. I’m going to join a studio in Mill Valley called Yoga Works. I just posted this today, and then, while getting a pedicure, I sat next to this fabulous yoga instructor who teaches at this lovely studio….so I’m sold. If I pay the $100/month for unlimited yoga, maybe it’ll make me go!
One month of yoga $100
Owning my very own yoga mat $20
Blissful peace and daily mindfulness Priceless…