Neutrality
Discover your center. Repeat.
We can't see clearly when the mind is turbulent. Yogah Samatvam Ucyate: It is said that Yoga is a balanced mind. Not easily said, nor easily done. If you are not feeling balanced, what do you do? That’s a tell tale sign that we need an adjustment, and only one we may give ourselves.
How to cultivate this Bhagavad Gita-based definition of Yoga, a visualization to hold in practice, so that we can access it in life? Within the Yoga context, diligence in your individually prescribed practice precedes all other anecdotes, but not in isolation.
Through svādhyāya: The very process of reflection yokes the mind into refinement process.
Who am I. Really. Under these impulses, urges and self-medication. Beneath the masks, the accomodations I make to keep peace, to make others happy. The ups, the downs, the confusion, the chaos, doubt, the emotions. Does this decision I am making align with the path that which will nourish my purpose, my health, my dharma-s, my highest vision of my potentials manifesting in thought, word and deed?
Through seasonal modifications in diet and lifestyle
As individual-specific these shifts may be, what you do, don’t do, eat and don’t eat deeply impact the mind’s ability to stay balance. Leaving pitta season and entering vata season requires warm, well-spiced, easily digested meals so the digestive system is not taxed, so the body has energy and fortitude to ward off pathogens and cold. As the darker days are upon us, earlier sleep is called for, and an early rise with some warming activities are, as well.
Through satsanga
Our most dysfunctional behaviors appear normal in the presence of others who share them; thus, choose companionship with those who are good intentioned, transparent and kind-hearted. And distance, physically and emotionally with those whose motives are ulterior, with those whose integrity, whose alignment in thought, word and deed feel compromised. Not only are they not your trusted well-wishes, but these connections keep us bound in cyclic highs and lows - the antithesis of the balanced mind we feel when in wholesome company.
Gratitude is our meditative theme starting this Tuesday through November. Enjoy a month long of Meditation practices to nourish contentment and appreciation.
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