Recently in a Yogic Sutra class, our teacher mentioned, "We're all tuned in to a radio station, some kind of frequency....but most people are just tuned to the station that's static."
Practicing yoga, and I don't just mean practicing stretching, makes you aware of the static in which you live...and that's the hard part about this practice. When you realize you're part of this constant buzz of thoughts, chaos, busy minds, it starts to hurt. You can't wait to get away from it. You start to become aware.
But how do you do get away?
Recently I visited a friend in Austin, TX. I had been discovering the city all weekend. There was so much chaos, so many people, so many superficial conversations....and I actually NEEDED it...needed to let loose after a stressful and hectic work week...but only for a day. After a day, I wanted peace. I wanted quiet. I wanted to rest. I tried to get my friend to come out for one more drink since we hadn't seen each other in over a year. His answer? "I need to go home. I can't wait to get up and practice." I knew exactly what he meant.
The searching, the socializing, looking for happiness outside of ourselves....it doesn't actually exist. Well, it does, temporarily. But to find ultimate happiness? Practice sitting or practice asanas (body postures) while deep breathing. When a thought pops into your head, note that you had it, then let it go. You might be able to stand 1 minute at first....then 5. Eventually 15 minutes will seem like a breeze. Maybe eventually you'll be like my friend, dedicated to practicing 1 hour and 1/2 every morning.
This is the practice I crave. It makes me happy. When a conversation becomes too negative, too empty, I remember my practice and find solace there, and try to bring that tranquility and energy into my current situation. I'm aware of the static, but I don't let it get to me.
After a long night's sleep, a massage, finally cooking a meal at home, and watching a local musician tell her story through song, the static is starting to drift away.... I can't wait for yoga tomorrow morning.
Om namah
"A Yogi in Training" might sound like I'm new to the practice of yoga. Quite the contrary. I was exposed to yoga at a very young age, and only formally began taking classes in my early 20s...but recently my practice has been reaching new levels and I'm understanding more and more that I'll always be a yogi in training. There's so much to learn. There's so much room to grow. I have so much I want to share and express. Enjoy the journey with me. Om namah.
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