Peace in the Unknown
I had a completely different message written for today. And yet, with the events that unfolded at the Capitol building earlier this week, I feel called to offer these thoughts.
NOW WE TURN TO YOGA
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, one of the foundational texts of yoga, start with the phrase: Now we turn to the study of yoga. I have been taught that the meaning if this phrase is two-fold. First, that when yoga enters your life, that is the moment to begin the study of it. Perhaps you were concerned with other things before, but now that yoga has arrived, it is time for yoga.
Second, at any moment and indeed at every moment we turn again to the study of yoga. Right now, for example, is a good time to draw on yogic teachings. Patanjali guides us not to put away our yoga because the world has become unpredictable (spoiler alert, the world is always unpredictable). Instead, the teaching is that NOW is the time for it.
So what does Patanjali offer in his sutras? Teachings on how to conduct ourselves internally and externally. Teachings on how to treat others, even those we consider enemies. Teachings on how to cope with chaos by moving inwards to a core experience of peace, by calming the mind.
In the midst of chaos, frustration, blatant misuse of power, and unbelievable events we can choose to turn to our yoga. Turn to those processes and practices that calm the mind and center the body so that, even now, there is the possibility for peacefulness within. It is a choice and a discipline to be conscious and peaceful when the world is so unconscious and contentious.
Y’all, this is why we’ve been practicing
A PRACTICE TO SUPPORT YOU
Begin with any sort of physical practice that feels good to you: jump up and down a few times, do several rounds of sun salutations or a whole yoga practice, dance to your favorite jam, reach up to the ceiling and down to the floor 5 times, MOVE! Getting in your body helps to calm and center your nervous system. And it focuses your mind in the present moment.
Then sit for meditation.
Take a few deep breaths to become more present.
Close your eyes.
Slowly bring your attention to each of your senses in turn
Smell, Taste, Touch, Sound, and finally open your eyes and take in Sights
Spend at least one minute per sense.
Then take another full breath in and out and pause.
Notice a subtle shift towards an interior experience of peace.
Repeat often as necessary.
PEACE-FUELED ACTION
What I want for you is a tiny window of peace in the midst of the unknown of this time.
But do not be confused, I’m not advocating throwing a blanket over your head and completely turning away from the world. Peace does not have to be disengagement. It simply means moving from the deepest most powerful place inside of ourselves so that we take conscious actions. I want you to have that so that whatever actions you choose to take or not to take, you can take them from a place of centeredness and integrity. When you are gripped with fear, frustration, and anger it’s harder to act from your essential power. But when you are centered in peace you are a powerful force. Imagine actions fueled by anger and intent to bring justice that are also anchored in peace — the American Civil Rights movement comes to mind.
NOW IS THE MOMENT
Patanjali offers a roadmap for calming the mind, settling and returning to peace. Now is the moment for yoga. Your body, heart, and mind deserve to be at peace no matter what’s going on in this world. We do this practice not only to slow the roller coaster of mental fluctuations but so that we can move in the world with peacefulness. Peace does not have to be disengagement. It simply means moving from the deepest most powerful place inside of ourselves as we take conscious actions.
Now is the moment for consciousness. Now is the moment for yoga. Now is the moment for peace.