What if you had to admit to something you believed in for so long, only to discover it was no longer serving you?
This sounds simple enough, however it isn't easy.
We can explore this more with the studies of yoga. How?
Have you ever heard of "the Kleshas"?
Suffering is part of human nature and with more awareness we can choose how much suffering we experience. Kleshas are listed in ancient texts that list the human afflictions that are at the source of suffering.
These Kleshas distort our mind and thoughts.
In other words, they will add to the experience.
The distortions are:
Avidya (ignorance)
Asmita (egoism)
Raga (attachment)
Dvesha (aversion)
Abhinivesha (fear)
Knowing this, what if we find time to pause and build more awareness around our reactions? Just considering changes builds empathy and compassion in the brain. This won't eliminate pain however it can change reduce or eliminate the added reactions.
"Pain + Resistance = Suffering" is a formula often shared in the yoga community for applying the teachings of the Kleshas. We won't focus on eliminating pain however we can do something about the other part of the formula.
Therefore in modern day we can observe our reaction and see if it falls into any of these buckets. Am I doing or saying that because I am afraid, scared or blaming? Or am I using a bias or stereotype to classify someone's entire character?
Studying and applying the Kleshsas doesn't mean we will have answers to everything. However maybe we can make space in our thoughts and have more enjoyment in our daily experiences. This can start on the yoga mat and branch out into our life.
Take time today to notice other ways to observe your thoughts. Consider if those thoughts are the afflictions mentioned or not. What happens to you when you think of it this way?
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I have some summer workshops and then I will be off for a break. I will return to the in person sound bath at 532 Yoga in September. However many are away and it makes sense to take some time off as well. I hope you have some plans this summer and will take time to listen to what you body needs.
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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.
Have wonderful weekend!
paigesyoga@me.com