If someone asked me to sum up my yoga teaching and programs, I would say: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and reactions.
That’s all. Just pay attention.
Attention brings light on what you normally are not aware of. Thoughts, feelings and reactions arise quickly and they are so close to us that it’s easy to believe they equal what we are.
But if you start paying attention, day after day, you will soon discover that they are not really yours. You were taught to have them. You inherited them from past generations. By being with others who have the same thoughts, feelings and reactions we seek security and acceptance.
That’s all. Just pay attention.
Attention brings light on what you normally are not aware of. Thoughts, feelings and reactions arise quickly and they are so close to us that it’s easy to believe they equal what we are.
But if you start paying attention, day after day, you will soon discover that they are not really yours. You were taught to have them. You inherited them from past generations. By being with others who have the same thoughts, feelings and reactions we seek security and acceptance.
Attention doesn’t come natural in the beginning. For some reason we shun it, maybe because we’re afraid of what we’ll find. It’s this fear that makes us avoid quiet moments, distract ourselves with meaningless activities and numb ourselves with our favorite addictions.
Everything to not see, feel or listen to what we truly are.
It’s a paradox. We are afraid of what would make us feel the most secure and accepted and instead hold on to what in the long run is nothing but emptiness and destruction.
I’m not saying that you’re bad for distracting or numbing yourself. I’m sure you don’t need criticism. We all do the best we can.
I’m saying: Go ahead, distract yourself, numb yourself, entertain your addictions – but do it with full awareness. Know what you are doing. Feel what you are doing. Hear what you are doing. Without judgment. With love.
Notice what happens. It might surprise you.
Everything to not see, feel or listen to what we truly are.
It’s a paradox. We are afraid of what would make us feel the most secure and accepted and instead hold on to what in the long run is nothing but emptiness and destruction.
I’m not saying that you’re bad for distracting or numbing yourself. I’m sure you don’t need criticism. We all do the best we can.
I’m saying: Go ahead, distract yourself, numb yourself, entertain your addictions – but do it with full awareness. Know what you are doing. Feel what you are doing. Hear what you are doing. Without judgment. With love.
Notice what happens. It might surprise you.
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