Om Hop Yoga

Connected..

 

One of the beautiful things that really came to light for me during my yoga teacher training is that we are all one and that we are all connected.  

Every single one of us on this earth has fears, worries and insecurities even though there are so many reasons why we absolutely shouldn't because we all have so much to give and share with the rest of humanity.  And every single one of us has suffered or is suffering whether due to a terrible accident, a hurtful confrontation with another person, or a difficult situation that may have left an imprint on us and the consequences of which we may or may not have to deal with for the rest of our lives, if not for a brief period.  

We all feel joy, we all cry, we all laugh.  So don't for a second feel disconnected from the rest of the world.  When you feel lonley and you feel that no one would understand your position, or no else has it worse then you do, just open up the newspaper, or better yet open up to another human being. 

Always know that it's okay to open up to family, a friend, a significant other, and even a stranger because we've all been there.  Not everyone will understand your story, but if they're a compassionate person, they will try.  Pretending whatever it is that is bothering you is not significant or just avoiding it disconnects your from the rest of the world and from yourself.  

So please never hold back.  Be honest and true to yourself.  Whether it's happiness or sorrow, always find a way to express what's inside in a way that's cathartic, healthy and inspiring for you.  

Walking Meditation

The mind can go in a thousand directions.

But on this beautiful path, I walk in peace.

With each step, a gentle wind blows. 

With each step, a flower blooms.

From Buddha Mind, Buddha Body by Thich Nhat Hanh.  

 

It is difficult for most of us to find a moment in a daily lives to even do a sitting meditation if we don't fully commit ourselves to doing so everyday, but next time you find yourself taking a walk alone, try to do a walking meditation.  If you don't remember the above lines, make up your own.  Taking time to do this allows you to actually notice your surroundings and what's going on around you - I know, why is that such a novel idea!  Setting a good pace, and taking each step consciously and with determination, you'll start feeling more at ease as your mind becomes present and leaves behind the unnecessary chatter.  Revel in that moment.  

Making those mundane daily activities fulfilling

In Light on Life, B.K.S. Iyengar writes "The French philosopher Descartes said happiness does not consist in acquiring the things that we think will make us happy, but in learning to like doing the things we have to do anyway."  

I've touched upon this idea in my previous entry called On Happiness, but I think it's such an important concept that I wanted to a elaborate just a little.  We all have desires, it's just that when we cling on to those desires do we neglect to appreciate what we have.  It can be heartwrenching to want something with all your being, but have no means of attaining it.  Yet, when we pay attention to the seemingly unimportant everyday things that we do and do them mindfully, consciously, and thoughtfully, giving them meaning and importance, we realize how pleasurable and fulfilling they are.  Most of us (who don't have the luxury of having a dishwasher) don't enjoy washing the dishes, but we have to do it.  Rather than approaching that task with indifference, make it a meditation, maybe even play music in the background (and shake it a little?  Or is that just me).  It becomes fun all of a sudden.  Or if you're having dinner alone, rather than flopping down in front of the television completely forgetting about your food, light a candle, set your table beautifully and spend that moment taking in the flavors, chewing longer, and savoring the peacefulness of the meal.  It can feel like such a blessing.  

It's one tihng to set attainable meaningful goals, but another to consume oneself with desire and want and stay in that place of disconnect with the rest of the world because we're not present.  If we want to do this, most of us need to constantly thoughtfully remind ourselves to be present especially when we're performing mundane tasks.  But, once we start being present as we go about our everyday lives, we can feel a little more complete.  From there a feeling of contentment begins to radiate.