Thoughts on Yoga
Your Birthright: Stability, Security, Serenity.
2008-09-24
Dear Friends:
I feel compelled to write to you about what is happening in the media, the financial markets, and politics. Given the intensity of change and instability in all these areas, and the crushing stress and strain that folks are feeling, I would be irresponsible if I didn't tackle the topic straight on.
I would never presume to endorse a political candidate or try to tell anyone what they should support. It's not my role to do so.
It is my job to help people discover and take advantage of all their options for well-being. In the midst of apparently cataclysmic change, it's very difficult to avoid anxiety, fear and even panic.
You just can't give in! If you allow your body and mind to become clouded, you will cut yourself off from your base of support. This is a recipe for bad decisions, pain, and exhaustion.
Reclaim your world. No one can enforce fear and worry upon you. You are responsible for using your mind to create the future you want.
Outer forces may require us to deeply question what we have been doing, what we are willing to do in the future. But outside forces should be kept outside, and not invited into our hearts.
For yogis the first step is to PRACTICE HARDER! When storms swirl around us, it is going to take more determination to maintain your equilibrium. If you have done any yoga in the past, you are fortunate because it is still inside you. You can start again and bring it back quickly.
If you are thinking of starting, THIS IS THE TIME! Really there is no better moment than when you think you can't afford the time, money or focus. These are lies that keep you spinning in place. Break out and get started. YOU WILL FEEL BETTER, that is a promise.
Yoga practice is the pimary way of preventing ourselves being manipulated by people in power and the media. You need to turn away from the noise in your mind, which is a result of your fear being triggered by the fear of others. You need to re-enter your palace of serenity in the present moment. In yoga you get the help, direction and support to do so.
On the same theme, TAKE A WALK OUTDOORS. Feel your feet under you. Notice the details around you. Regulate your breath as you walk, so it's deep and full.
CATCH YOURSELF creating negative fantasies about the future. Just for now, live one day at a time. If you think about what might be in store for you a month, a year, or ten years from now, you will experience extreme anxiety. You can't afford to go there either.
True wealth is living consistently in light, peace, and joy. Get curious about what's going on inside you. Look at the world right in front of your eyes, not the world on the screen. Consistently orient yourself towards what is here and now.
Your unceasing work will be to do the things that give you inner stability, security and serenity every single day.
Mama Nirvana's will continue to be here, offering you the refuge of peace and support you will need to make the journey. I will continue to speak and write and teach people how we can all empower ourselves to prosper and thrive.
In Love and Light,
Ruth Anne