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(Return to
Mindfulness off the Mat list)
Yoga certainly can pose a number
of challenges—how ironic that one of them is simply that of slowing down!
It’s true; we’re so accustomed to the hectic pace of our daily,
stressed-to-the-max lives that the unhurried rhythm of yoga can feel
shocking contrasted to the rest of our day. Of course, it usually doesn’t
take long before the bliss of surrendering to the pace of yoga leaves us not
unlike a parched traveler greeting an oasis. Nonetheless, we’re not
necessarily immune to those occasions when our bodies and minds resist
relaxation, when we find it tough to concentrate on the “now.” It’s at times
like this when I am reminded of a favorite quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.” Simple, but prophetic.
And moreover, rather yogic. Ultimately, our efforts at being mindful are
really an exercise in reminding ourselves of how we are meant to feel,
behave, maneuver ourselves in a pure, healthy, unfettered-by-stress
condition. As an augmentation to your actual yoga postures, you can connect
with this concept quite effectively by taking a walk in the woods, sitting
at the edge of a tranquil lake, or watching the simple yet mesmerizing
movements of birds visiting a feeder. Putting yourself in natural
surroundings every now and then can do much in reconnecting with these
natural currents and reconnecting with your own instinctive nature as well.
How nice to know that such an enjoyable activity can be so constructive!
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