Leap or Look?
Today, leap over to Yoga Foundation! Otherwise, use discretion.
From Yoga to Lattes. From nose rings to elderberry syrup. From gift certificates to respiratory tinctures, we have you covered today. We'll gather for a potent Yoga practice to kindle the digestive fire at 11:30, plant-based brunch and local one-of-a-kind delights at 12:30.
Discretion (upeksa), one of four of Yoga's attitude adjustments, props us up as we confront life's uncomfortable, confusing, impulsive moments with others. Have you had any of these lately? Perhaps with loved or even unloved ones yet this season? On the subway? In line at the supermarket? In business interactions with clients, or with leadership? They truly test us. At the edge of our bandwidth, sometimes we show up like we have no tools. Sometimes we surprise our own selves. Sometimes we fail to show up as the selves we practice to transform into. And sometimes we grow. Inevitably, it comes down to our ability to practice upeksa, discretion.
Through discernment, we look before we leap. We take a situation at face value, minus biases, judgement, flooding feelings. We don’t ignore, but we consider and reflect, activate conscious breathing, a distinction between what we are perceiving and what’s in our lens, supporting a clearer perception from a centralized perspective. And then we act. Whether that takes a moment or mobilizes over time, it’s an indispensable Yoga tool to crack the codes of relationship, decipher our own mental patterns and the motives and intentions of others, and to act more according to what is, rather than our personal projections.
In 2008, I hosted Mr. Desikachar for a workshop in Long Island. Nearly 100 people registered, and we were deep in the woods at a historical house. While driving him out to lunch break, on a one way, dirt road leading to a parking lot filled with participants and their vehicles, we passed a man walking back there, swinging a knife. I, responsible for keeping Sir safe and the participants as well, needed to act fast. It was clear to me that something needed to be done to prevent a tragedy. I reversed, tapping into the backin up skills I gained from having a steep, winding driveway as a new, 16 year old driver, while calling 911 (always a last resort). And I forewarned all parties to get in their cars and stayed until the law enforcement officials, fortunately quickly, arrived. They apprehended him. And Sir kindly used my actions as an example for Upeksa in the afternoon lesson.
Similarly, nearly every NYC subway ride includes a passenger whose mental health is overtly disturbed lately. I am often with my son, who I am trying to model upeksa to. So far, we are fortunate enough to be safe, we nonchalantly travel to the other side of the car, and when those doors open, we slip out and enter the next car over. Whether an emergency or not, the Yoga will support clearer thinking when faced with decisions surrounding those who may be shady or dangerous, or ill-intended.
And now…the moment of the year you may be waiting for…
From now until Cyber Monday only, receive a 10% discount on all packages. Also, we have a Holiday Gift for your loved ones who need a nudge, a 3 group classes for $60 special.
For you lovely blog readers: Buy any of the following Group Class or Yoga Therapy packages by december 2nd, and receive a 10% discount using the coupon HOLIDAYLOVE
Single one month unlimited ($170.00)
Yoga Therapy Holiday Intro Package ($400.00)
Can we count on you to take a minute and vote for both Danielle and Yoga Foundation by clicking on the buttons above? Your support and word of mouth is how we grow.