Yoga Today – Overcoming Obstacles

Illness, boredom, doubt, carelessness, laziness, false perceptions, failure to stay grounded, and mindful distraction are obstacles we all face. We cannot avoid feelings and emotions. They are a part of human life. One of the most difficult obstacles is feeling that we are slipping back from the progress we’ve made. This one is important to examine because we all feel, from time to time, like giving up or feeling defeated by setbacks. But we need to remember that the mind can’t function on the same level every moment. Sometimes it will be in high gear, and sometimes it needs to be idle. The practice of yoga reminds us that many obstacles or challenges will be put in our way. They are there to make us understand our capacity. For example, the tree challenges our ability to find balance. We can work to improve our balance or simply give up. Challenges teach us how to find our strength, flexibility, and balance. We need challenges and obstacles to help us; otherwise, we become lethargic and lazy. Things are constantly changing. That is the nature of life. Like a river, the water flows easily without obstruction, but add an obstacle, such as constructing a dam, and the strength of the water takes on the form of great electrical power. Same river; it now has an obstacle to overcome, allowing it to find the strength to generate great power. The river doesn’t stop – it’s not set back – it simply overcomes the obstacle. Yoga reminds us to stay grounded and balanced, as life will inevitably throw many obstacles our way. From a state of balance, flexibility, and strength, we are never thrown off by obstacles. Instead, we muster the strength to stand tall and steady, finding the inner fortitude to move past life’s obstacles without falling. It takes a strong base, an open heart, and a steady mind. Nothing is achieved without practice, so let’s practice. END: Things are constantly changing. That is the nature of life. Yoga reminds us to stay grounded and balanced, as life will inevitably throw many obstacles our way. From a state of balance, flexibility, and strength, we never get thrown off by the obstacles we face. Instead, we muster the strength to stand tall and steady, finding the inner fortitude to move past life’s obstacles without falling down. It takes a strong base, an open heart, and a steady mind. Be strong, open, and steady. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – symbol of the ego. When it comes to obstacles and challenges, the ego likes to win. Our personal strength is tested, and if we perceive we have failed, we feel deflated. But that is the “I’ that only sees the world in terms of success and failures. Pull the finger in a place, the thumb on top – the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the “me” that observes life. From the soul’s perspective, there are no successes or failures. Obstacles and challenges are simply opportunities to grow and discover the true purpose of life – we are here to discover that, just like a river when faced with an obstacle, we don’t stop being the river; we adjust, overcome, and with this, we become stronger and more powerful. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com