Self-Study
As this newsletter is being written, the wind is howling outside. The rain is pouring off of the rooftop in sheets. It’s another stormy weekend—bleak and grey and potentially depressing. Given the outside conditions, it could be easy to succumb to a down mood. Luckily, however, those of us who practice yoga realize we have a choice in how we perceive and react to those outside conditions. Having practiced yoga, we realize our minds are not like the defenseless leaves blown across the lawn by forces greater than they are. We are aware that our level of happiness does not have to be helplessly buffeted by external conditions. In fact, as Paramabansa Yogananda has said, “All the happiness you seek lies within you, in the image of God within you.” Indeed, all we have to do is reach within, to study ourselves within, and we can find happiness—no matter the strength of the storm around us. Please read on to understand our theme of the month, “self-study”:
Let’s face it—there are many aspects of practicing yoga that can push anyone’s buttons: classes can be crowded, people sometimes walk in late, it’s not uncommon for someone to place his or her mat directly in front of another person, and cell phones do go off (usually at the most disturbing moment possible). We at the studio hear complaints that classes are too hot or not hot enough. We’re told that some teachers hold the postures too long, and others hold them too short. When perceived as too taxing, tiresome, uncomfortable or just plain irksome, the postures themselves can set off a cascade of negative emotions.
Luckily, it is precisely those distractions, disturbances and challenges that can help us move into a state of “self-study.” In other words, by regularly practicing yoga, we learn to quiet our overly-active, often whiny minds and start paying attention, or studying, a deeper, calmer reality within. “Self-study” helps us become aware of the difference between the “objective” (external conditions) and “subjective” (internal conditions). Through this awareness, we are able to, as Paramahansa Yogananda says, “…withdraw restless thoughts from the lake of the mind, [and] …behold our soul, a perfect reflection of Spirit, and realize that the soul and God are One.” This is because, according to yogic philosophy, we human beings are much more than our bodies, minds or emotions. We are, in fact, extensions of the divine. We are divine energy, and we can, with practice and intention, tap into this source of energy and well being.
In other words, we have the ability to rise above the storms and crowded classes—the winds and ringing cell phones. Those distractions are “objective.” They exist, but only have an impact on us if we allow them to. Through “self-study” we gain control of the “subjective,” and, therefore, access an unending supply of natural serenity and happiness from within.
To expedite each yogi’s “self-study,” we strongly encourage you to join us at our studio’s twice-weekly meditations (Thursday nights at 8:30 and Saturday nights at 6:30). And we are thrilled to offer you a chance to meet and study under Roy Eugene Davis, a widely recognized expert, lecturer and teacher of Kriya yoga (the more philosophical aspect of yoga) at our studio on March 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
“Buffeted by gusts of chance or drenched by rains of misfortune, I nevertheless direct my mind to look always toward Thee.” –Paramahansa Yogananda