Today is not like every other day..

[Lisa Walford]

Last Wednesday I showed up, as many of you did, bruised, blue, weary, numb. What to teach, how to provide solace, or not? I felt so many things well up inside. As per Guruji's instructions on how to handle trauma, we kept our eyes open, gaze lowered, and began together in a way that was unique to the moment. I suggested that we rub our arms, legs, bellies, pat ourselves down, and shake it all out. 

I had found this, from the Tao Te Ching

Wu Wei, literally meaning "non-acting" or not forcing, is a central tenant in the Tao Te Ching. The verses largely rely on imagery from Nature, where there are cyclical shifts and not forcing does not necessarily mean "going with the flow". Rather, to acknowledge when to act and find "flavor in the tasteless". 

In the third chapter of The Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga of Action, sloka 34 & 35:

Passion and hatred are seated in the senses in relation to their objects. One should not come under the power of these two, they are indeed one's enemies. 

Better one's own duty though deficient than the duty of another well performed.     

The Gita furthers suggests that we refrain from "passion and hatred". For these are the true enemies. So, as I begin this week of walking and breathing in a what seems like a new reality, I am, for now, avoiding what may ruffle my fragile nervous system while I connect with the practice, the earth, neighbors who have been holding their breath, our breath, for too long. Start slow, keep your eyes open, see the sky, grass, rain, moon.. 

I love the last line here, The True Seeker accepts uncertainty and remains undisturbed. 

Join me for pranayama-meditation sessions every Wednesday morning at https://centerforyogala.com/livestream-classes-schedule/ 

Act without striving,

Work without straining,

Find flavor in the tasteless.

Respect the small

And value the few.

Respond to resentment with Integrity.

Start with the simple in complex tasks.

Everything that seems difficult

Begins with the easy,

And great projects are composed of small steps.

Weak commitment inspires little trust.

What at first seems easy,

In time becomes more difficult.

thus, the True Seeker accepts uncertainty 

And remains undisturbed. 

       Verse 63 - Guy Leekley