The focus of the month reflects the importance of taking the time to breathe. The air is rich with the fragrance of flowers and plants. There are farmers markets, outdoor cafes, barbeques, dog walks, and trips to the beach and into nature. Well, these are all the things most of us want to be doing in the summer. Most of us, however, still need to go to work, drive, grocery shop, and clean our houses. Some of the reasons for not doing what we want are unavoidable and some are truly self-created. I believe the simple act of taking a deep breath (or many, in a course of a yoga class) helps to clear out the unnecessary clutter in our minds and bodies. Much of our stress is based on the past and the future, not the present. Much or our stress is over things that we truly can’t control or change. Much of our stress is based on our misperceptions of how we are percieved by others. Much or our stress is self-imposed.
The practice of asana with the intention of breathing steadily creates an environment ripe for change. The idea is that practicing postures, listening to your breath, concentrating on each and every step of the process, and challenging yourself along the way is a metaphor for life, or it could be. Why not try to live your life like you practice yoga? With focus, concentration, good intention, and step-by-step attention. I have found that most of my stress is the anticipation of an event, not the event itself. Ironically, what I prepare for in my mind is often not what happens at all but something completely different. It is very difficult to turn off that switch that makes us stress out over so many things. I am not suggesting that you can do this completely. I know I can’t. I am suggesting that you try, through practice. The practice of yoga is, as Patanjali says in the yoga sutras, “the effort towards steadiness of mind.” Not the act of steadiness itself, but the effort, the attempt, the intention!
Each and every breath leads us on a new journey. Each and every breath is a different and changed reality. Each and every breath is an opportunity to change direction. Breathe in, breathe out. Take a deep breath, right now. Feel different? No? Do it again— and again and again. This effort— this intention— can’t hurt your chances of being the person that you have always wanted to be. Notice if you can feel, just for a moment, the sensation that time has slowed down just a little. That is what all of us want at this time of year. Long luxurious days of summer filled with sun, fun, good food, good friends, nature, and lots of yoga!
Peace,
Mimi
P.S. I was having a discussion with my friend Janet (a recent graduate of the 2008 teacher training program), who is from Taiwan, about cultural differences. We were talking specifically about communicating. She made a comment that I will never forget. She said that “Americans think that everything they have to say is important and interesting.” This made me laugh out loud because it is so true! It also made me realize that there was another application for the breath. Take a deep breath before you speak, react, answer, jump in, interupt, etc. I know that I am certainly going to try this advice, since I tend to love hearing myself talk! The deep breath can clear the mind, but it might also allow for more listening time! Something many of us could do better, as it is yet another example of staying present.
