Day Twenty Three

I am really going to miss the discussions we have in Philosophy on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The conversations are organic and raw - there's no feeling that something wrong can be said, and the dynamic is fully based on learning more about the practice of yoga.  As we are near the end, our teacher Robin brought up several questions to consider:


How do you see yourself now as compared to the beginning of teacher training - physically, mentally, and emotionally?


How do you see others (friends, family, other teacher trainers)?


How can we be the observer at all times?


What, if anything, do you notice differently about your own practice?


I won't address these questions now since I haven't quite had time to contemplate them, but I'm hoping to get to them within the week.  


However, I do want to approach the topic of an "ego," as we shared how this can relate to our practice.  Interestingly enough, which I never considered, we aren't born with an ego.  Take for example my nephew Nathaniel (who is pictured in my profile icon on his 1st birthday).  When he was born he was the size of a peanut!  There was innocence written all across his face, and every time I held him was like holding a bundle of peace and love in my arms.  Now he's approaching the big 2 and his ego is a force to be reckoned with!  Just look at the little guy:  

Now, getting back to how this relates to yoga - it's very easy to let our ego's get in the way of our practice.  "Oh, I can do that pose better than that guy, look how he falls out right away," or "I'm horrible at this pose, I'm not even going to try, I'll give my best on the next one."  Ego's can hinder our practice, allowing us to fall short of what we are really capable of - awareness and observance followed by stillness of mind and body!  But, ego's aren't necessarily bad as they essentially help us in self-preservation as we seek to understand our self-identity.  


Beyond yoga, we deal with our own ego's on a day to day basis.  It's very easy to get caught up in the feeling that we have the right to judge others or expect praise because of something we did.  Instead, we should live simply by observing at all times and expect nothing.  In doing so there becomes a sense of awareness that can help us tackle difficult situations or even enjoy moments of solitude.  Again, I know this might seem pretty "out there" and obviously I'm coming from a philosophic approach to yoga, but I truly believe that in doing so, we can all experience a more fulfilling life. 


_Peace and Love