Learning more about balance...

10/21/2018

These concepts are so simple, and so much more difficult that initially one would believe.
Balance. First that was so hard for me and continues to be a part of my coping that needs continual attention. I find that in my day to day job, I end up living 100% in my head, my spirit and body are elsewhere. Yet when I come home from work, I can almost feel the balance begin. I have set my home up for that, for my balance.
Let’s talk about the ethical manners of living that a higher level of emotional recovery entails.
In the study of yoga, one of the limbs in 8 limbs Hatha Yoga are the Yamas and Niyamas. Yamas are the internal thoughts and motivations. The Niyamas are habits , behaviors and observances that we practice ( I like to say this is what others can see in us).
Aparigraha (non-grasping) is more than not being greedy, though that is also the concept. Not Grasping is also learning how to let go. Sound familiar, like Let Go and Let God? Yup, like that. You know when you go on social media to just “see “ how your ex is doing…….grasping. Do you keep going to the same places over and over again because you want to remember a feeling? Grasping. Aparigraha is about learning how to enjoy this moment and appreciate those past moments for what they offered. I like to use the example of the importance of non grasping is like trying to grab water in the stream. Try it. What does your grasping do? Nothing helpful, it does take your vision and heart away from the sound of the stream, the beauty of the sky, the deepness of the healing breath in nature. Notice how often you “grasp”. Within that grasping, allow your breath to return, the breath will let you know when to let go.
The Niyama “ Saucha” means purity. This is the behaviors we show the world. While it can mean sexual purity, it means so much more, It’s about purifying the body, mind and spirit. This is more about being who you really are. Letting your actions and words match. Being your word on a deeper level . As you begin to be “cash register honest” as we often hear in meetings, we become radiant, shiny as a friend of mine says. This is where attraction rather than promotion occurs. We become shiny and attract others who need to hear the words of hope to us.
Allow yourself to work on both Aparigraha and Saucha daily. I don’t believe that I will ever meet perfection any day. Yet working step by step, I will be able to be of more service to God and others.