Just as it takes responding to grit and irritation for an oyster to make a pearl, so too the bliss of yoga comes only with effort (tapas) and steady practice (sadhana) in response to the challenges of embodiment.
I witnessed this family standing on the train platform while I was listening to a teleseminar from Paul Muller-Ortega on the “four stages of the word.” That a family dressed this way was waiting for the train gave rise to much thought for me about how I seek to integrate yoga practice into my daily life in a modern Western culture. How much is compromise or disservice to the “purity” of the teachings and how much of it is a part of a pulsing, growing, changing intersection of peoples and times?
What do we mean, exactly, when we say a thing is “by” someone? Yes, we are attributing the thing’s creation to that someone. But how is something just by us when it is based on all the input and teachings to which we have been exposed or immersed? How do we give credit when it is due? How do we honor and acknowledge what has influenced us? When is attribution called for?
The yoga sages speak of the parampara, the lineage of teachings. For some the lineage is just that: a linear chain passed on from one generation of teachings to the next, and the attribution is clear. Those in such lineages or who would lead one of their own making often teach that one should pick one path (one style of yoga/meditation) and stick with that form or teacher to succeed (with the mythic goal of enlightenment).
From my unattained perspective, I question who is to say how “enlightenment,” assuming it is indeed something that can be achieved, would or could or should be attained by anyone else? Practice tips for enhancing the experience of human embodiment (is that not the real path?) are nice, though.
I do not know the Elizabeth who drew on the sidewalk. She is quite possibly about the age I would have been when I first read (not saw the movie) Mary Poppins and dreamed of entering another world through a chalk drawing on the sidewalk.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
Dear Yogis–
Rain and unseasonable weather in the weekend forecast have you wondering where is Spring? Instead of longing for the missing Spring, dig deep into the seeds of relaxation with a bolster, seven blankets (give or take a few), and other body and heart warmers, this Saturday at the final “Relaxing into Optimal Alignment”:
Saturday, March 26th, 2:30-4:30p, Willow Street Yoga Center, Takoma Park, $30
After a little gentle stretching and self-massage to bring awareness to the breath and body, we will enjoy the exquisite application of Anusara’s® Universal Principles of Alignment to restful and supported restorative postures to release old patterns and invite in the new to find greater ease of body and mind.
Hope to see you Saturday for our own breath of Spring and do please invite your friends; experienced yogis and complete novices are all welcome.
ps I know I offered to sign a few people up for the blog. Alas, I cannot do that for you from my computer. If you want to get emails with the latest blog entries, please go to http://www.rosegardenyoga.com/follow-my-blog, and follow the simple instructions there. I’ve gotten great feedback on the email version as an easy way to be in touch, so please join us.
Peace and light,
Elizabeth
