In My Head
Wellpoints and Fireflies
by Stevan A. Walkowski
Dharma the Cat with Commentary
Ego
by David Lourie
Moving/Being
New Beginnings in Old Containers
by Paul Linden
Swami Says
Blisskrieg
by Steve Bhaerman
Verbasana
Yoga and Ice Cream
by Thatcher Ross
Feng Shui Today
Q&A with Sylvia Watson and Connie Spruill
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Verbasana
Yoga and Ice Cream
In our present culture, people are typically judged on the basis of their accomplishments. As infants we receive praise for learning to crawl or mastering a new toy. In school we get accolades for good grades or making the team. It's no wonder that later in life we base our self-worth on getting that promotion or driving home in a new car that we saw on the cover of Motor Trend. There is, of course, nothing wrong with ambition. Wighout motivation we'd never move, but when the only thing that we place value on is crossing under the checkered flag (preferably first), the vast majority of our life loses its worth. This value system is a major contributing factor in the factor in the growing number of cases of depression, crime, hypertension, ulcers, asthma, etc.
What's more, the race to the end builds such momentum that we can't even savor the "victory". As proof just go down to your local ice cream parlor (if you don't have one a pastry shop will do) and you'll see the majority of patrons shoveling down their treats at break-neck speed. There might be one or two actually savoring the experience, but for the most part, the spoon is approaching the mouth before the last bite is even swallowed, let alone appreciated.
Enter yoga. I see may of my new students begin their practices in the same way. They've seen pictures of videos that they want to be able to mimic. I watch them struggle, pushing hard as they can, trying to force their bodies to where they want to be. All the while, my directions urge them to be patient.
These are typically the same students that show up the following week complaining of morning after aches. The harder they push themselves the more their bodies resist. It often takes some time for them to come to the realization that progress is easier, more comfortable and, yes, faster when they allow their bodies, rather than their ambitions, to set the tempo.
This is when their practice can truly begin. We all know of the myriad of physical benefits that yoga provides, but it was actually created as a means of exploring deep inner work. One always has an eye on perfecting and deepening the postures, but the real challenge is in expanding awareness, acceptance and a hollistic communion with one's self. The process becomes the goal. Stiff, creaky days are appreciated as much as those when the body allows movement to new depths. Growth and unfolding abound in every moment that you are actively conscious. There is an ever-expanding enjoyment of just basking in the quietude and majesty of the present moment.
Just as the rush towards goals can build an "out of control" momentum that influences far more than just the race, so to, can your yoga practice bring an air of calm and meaning from your mat into your life - potentially, even into the lives of those who spend time with you.
The next time you go out for ice cream, be there for the experience. Try a single scoop and take your time with it. Notice the color, smell each bite, enjoy the texture and savor the flavor.
Breathe and smile. Namaste.
Thatcher Ross began meditating at the age of nine and began his yogic pursuits, while still in high school, when introduced to Kundalini yoga. He's explored many philosophical viewpoints and meditative practices as well as Tai Chi and Feldenkrais movement techniques. Certified as a Kripalu yoga teacher, he joyfully weaves these various disciplines into his lighthearted offerings. You can find unabridged versions of his articles and reach him at www.yogateacher.net or contact him by phone at 614-885-3355.
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