Essay questions for sharing.......

Selected Yoga Sutra 1.14 "Regular, whole-hearted application over time will create a foundation whereby the practice is firmly integrated."

a) How is this sutra relevant to my hatha yoga practice?

I am 48 years old. The first year of my yoga practice nearly six years ago resulted in great progress as far as my physical body. I was stronger, had greater endurance, developed better breathing, suffered less stress and anger. As most yogi’s know or eventually learn, the progress made in the first year or the first two or three years is not sustainable. There is not a “multiple” of gains. What I learned, what a lot of practitioners learn, is that grasping for something that is not ours is greedy. Example: Janu Sirsasana, with my nose on my knee and my hands clasped around the base of my foot is not for me, not this year, not next year, not ever. And if I reach for it –like I did in 2007, I will injure myself . But the regular, whole-hearted, mindful practice of that pose (or any other difficult pose you want to attempt) is how to build the foundation of a hatha yoga practice. I will have my own Janu Sirsasana – and whole-heartedly, I will perform it to the best and highest of my abilities…..not my desires. That is what this sutra means to me.

b) How does this sutra relate to my yoga teachings?

I must teach what I know, that progress is made in small increments. There is no magic potion, no instant gratification, very few dramatic breakthroughs with yoga. You can either stretch or bend in certain ways right now, or you cannot. You will either be able to stretch or bend certain ways in the future (with practice), or you will not. And if you cannot, or will not be able to do certain things with your body, then I will help you find ways to practice yoga that are both possible for you – and more importantly ---satisfying for you. Otherwise, you will give up too soon and not learn or experience the truth of this sutra. I am called to teach the lessons that I have learned from my teachers and my own experience.

c) How does this sutra relate to my meditation practice?

There is only one answer to this question – this sutra helps me to sit on my mat, over and over and over again. It may be too cold, or too hot. I may have to get up too early, or I am on the road for vacation or business. I may be tired or have guests in my home, but the famous shoe commercial quote is relevant here: JUST DO IT!