Yoga is more
than a set of poses; it’s a way of life. The
poses and the class, however, allow us to practice what is fundamental to a
healthy life; being present and one with your breath.
Today we are
going to focus on attachment. When we practice
yoga, it is important to practice on all levels; body, mind and soul. This is what
it means to truly practice yoga. Attachment happens in the physical, mental and
spiritual world; therefore, it is important to learn how to detach.
Now with attachment the problem is that once
you possess something you begin to fear losing it. The mind then gets
distressed and agitated, and an agitated mind scatters your energy into
somewhat of a frenzy. You lose your balance and forget to stay flexible and
open to the ever-changing dynamics of life. Just remember the only thing you
can be absolutely sure of is change. So, stay detached and be willing to let things
go as they will.
Attachment brings
about greed, anguish and suffering. For these reasons, according to Buddha and
yoga, the cause of all suffering is attachment and ignorance. It is good to
cherish, enjoy and love things of the earth. Just be willing to accept change,
and if need be, to let them go. We do this by being detached not from the
things themselves, but from the desire to possess and control. You cannot control the ever-moving dynamics of
life but what you can control is how you treat your body and what you let
occupy your mind. So, observer life as it moves around you, be flexible and let
it flow.
Remember
this; what might be important in this moment might be meaningless a moment from
now. Everything is constantly moving and changing. So today
let’s begin our practice by working on our flexibility; body, mind and soul.
As some may
know I have been teaching yoga for over 30 years. What I know is life will
humble you and to practice the yogi life is not easy. There will always be moments
that remind you how easy it is to slip off the fine edge of the present moment losing
your balance, flexibility and strength.
The cause of
all suffering is attachment and ignorance. It is the ego that want to possess
and control.
Extend out
your index finger – the ego is artificial and transitory for how you see yourself
is an illusion. We think we are important and have control when in fact we
possess and control nothing except what we place in our minds and even that
will constantly change. The ego is not negative or something to be destroyed.
We need it for our preservation and to assist us in our evolution. The problem
with the ego is believing it is the final reality; permanent and fixed. This is
known as ignorance. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top ; the
symbol of your higher power; surrender yourself to the everchanging dynamics of
life, stay flexible and remain peaceful; body, mind and soul. In this you are
wise.
I am not going
back to LA Fitness – for many people a class at home is good. I will be
teaching on Zoom twice a week beginning in the fall. Over the summer I will be
teaching on Saturdays – missing a few as I am also moving to Florida. I am
setting up a studio in my home and will continue to teach on line. I hope you will follow me as I take on this
adventure. Please stay in touch – classes are free until I am up and running
and then I have two very special yoga classes to teach you. I hope you will join me.
Namaste~ may
you go with health, happiness and peace
Doctor Lynn