Yoga is the practice of life
"Yoga is the practice of Life."-- Kurt Johnsen
His class theme focused a lot on his martial arts background, his beliefs, and theories on energy. He began by asking us what is yoga? Which is interesting because I just asked my group of teenagers that I've been teaching yoga to this same question just a few days prior. They came up with answers like: it's harder than you think, breathing, a way to relax & exercise (hum, after just 8 weeks with them, I still have a ways to go... but at least they no longer think that yoga is "for girls".)
His answer: "Yoga is connection with reality." Then, he challenged us to 21 days (the amount of time it takes to form a habit) without arguing with reality. For example, to not get upset about the weather (It's hot in Texas! Just deal with it without complaining about it!), not get angry over traffic or being late (traffic happens, so just plan for it), to get over rude people (there are people who will be rude, but you don't have to re-act to them). When we argue, we lose energy. Instead, embrace reality and feel the energy of it because whatever is happening is there for a reason. He invited us to get our kids or someone to help remind us. (I opted for a friend for encouragement and accountability. My kids already point out my infractions with ease.) Other advise, don't be a door mat while doing this. If you get a bad meal, just send it back but don't whine over it. Be gracious, kind and matter-of-fact. If you switch sides of energy, start again. (This is a bit like the tongue mudra (bite it!) that judith lasater challenged me to in January.)
Here's my start: OK, it's Thursday night, this began Sunday.... and I've had to start over every single day... I've gone to the dark side of energy. Sunday, complained about family. Monday, grumpy and tired after arriving home at 4am and told people I was grumpy and tired. Tuesday, got a speeding ticket and well, I argued with the policeman. Was I really going 50 in a 35? According to her radar. Wednesday. Actually I can't remember Wednesday, but I'm sure it was something! Today, I was hoping for some help with xyz....grumble, grumble. Sigh. So, tomorrow's a new day. Day one again of 21 days. (A bit like the "ground hog day" movie.) Kurt said it took him 4 months the first time to get through 21 days straight. And, now each time, it's gotten shorter & easier. I sincerely hope so!
this is just what I am working on. wow, so much harder than asana, huh? funny how the external stuff we do somehow gets easier much more quickly than the internal stuff. Rolf said this past weekend that we need to not let our duties be a burden... i.e., just do them, don't let the weight of them or the worrying about them or the talking about them add to suffering. it's hard to live in mindfulness... does it become less intense as we get better at it (hopefully)? gee, even talking about it is a way of letting them be a burden! sigh.
ReplyDeletewish you love and light, my friend.
DW
I just wrote a long reply, only to have it disappear when I lost internet connection. sigh. loss of interest. a good teacher! just like the termites...an unwelcome teacher.
ReplyDeleteyes, it's a lot harder than asana. but I find when I try to control it-- it's all the harder. it's like trying to diet.. you start thinking about it more and it just gets harder and harder... I have to let go and then it comes -- whatever it is.
sounds like your training has been very transformational! xx
loss of INTERNET not interest! ah... multitasking -- getting the boys to fold their own laundry, packing for my trip today and answering email... all at once. : )
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