Yesterday, the sutra we looked at was I:12 , which basically stated that we can restrain the whirring of our thoughts when we practice and apply non-attachment. But what constitutes practice?
Today’s Sutra: “Of these two, effort toward steadiness of mind is practice.” I:13 translation Sri Swami Satchidananda
We can gain some insight as far as what methods may be appropriate for us if we look at the commentary offered by T.K.V. Desikachar in his wonderful book The Heart of Yoga. On page 153, in relation to this passage he states: “The practices chosen must be correctly learned from and guided by a competent teacher who understands the personal and social character of the student. “
Today I suggest thinking on your own particular practice and whether or not you feel you have reached out to ask your teacher the questions you need to. Have you shared what you are struggling with? What your work schedule is like? Do you know what type of practice your teacher recommends for you at this time? Are you feeling energetic? Stressed? Are you feeling like you are preparing for something emotional or physical? Letting your teacher know you more can enable the teacher to give you the best suggestions for what constitutes practice for you at this time. It may not always just be asana (poses), or maybe you are spending too much time reading when you could be physically working through the questions you have. Perhaps you are using the mind forcefully when you would do better to play more, and struggle with the form less. Perhaps you are someone who needs to tighten up in the form and play a little less. Perhaps for you neither form nor emotion are central to your practice needs at this time. It all depends on the person and the moment being experienced.
Here I offer a chance to hear the words of T.K.V. Desikachar himself as he expresses how important it is for the teacher to be responsive to the needs of the student, regardless of the type of yoga. This is followed by a beautiful tree of all of the paths of yoga. My own teacher Satya Greenstone would be on the tree by Sri Swami Satchidananda in the Sivananda branch. Can you find it? We all come from the same tree. And our relationships with teachers and students always benefits from developing true friendship and sharing. I hope you’ll enjoy.
Yoga Pose of the Day: Simple Seated posture of your choice, for 5- 10 minutes
Yogic Concept for the Day: Have I shared who I am and what I am experiencing with my teacher? Do I know what practice suits this part of my life best?
