Last week I had the honor of training with one of the most widely revered Yoga Masters of modern day time. Rod Stryker, Yogarupa, has this amazing ability to hold space in a way so that his students see more deeply into themselves and the Universe that pervades all existence. A good teacher will show you the path so that you remember who you are. Yogarupa's talent of guiding me back home while, at the same time, showing me how I've gone astray reminds me of why I continue this journey of spiritual seek and find.
As our lives continue through joys and sorrows, our vision can get narrowed, making us more reactive and forgetful of the life that that is present RIGHT NOW. Very quickly we can enter into a state of mind where we forget the nature of our hearts, and instead get caught in thought loops that keep us trapped. Before last week's training, I was having a hard time refraining from getting caught in this trap of incessant thinking and worrying as life seemed to "get in the way". I knew on a spiritual level that it is all part of life. We can't dissect life into pieces we like and pieces we don't. Maybe everything is perfect just as it is and I was quickly reminded of this through his teachings.
I know...this is so much easier said than done, but our practice doesn't end when we leave the mat or the meditation cushion. The key is that when you are caught in incessant thinking and reactivity (the two go hand-in-hand), it's a nudge that it's time to pause and remember. By pausing, you remember. This practice of the spiritual seeker is just that...forgetting and then remembering. When we forget, we are reactive. When we remember (who we are), we soften and open up to love (acceptance).
Creating even a short 'coming home' ritual for yourself, something that works for YOU, is key to stopping the looping. What we practice grows stronger, so choosing how you respond instead of not choosing and reacting flexes your presence muscle. THEN, you can broaden your view and remember that we are all here doing the best we can with what we've been given. The choice is always there, REMEMBER LOVE and forget reacting, at least until the next time you do. :)
Love to you and yours,
Whitney