The following blogpost was written in preparation for our yoga teacher training by one of our fabulous yoga teacher training students, Rachel Bauman. This essay shows us that the most profound thing we may do in life is to learn how to live more simply and sweetly. Joseph Goldstein’s discussion regarding impermanence and non-clinging provided many enlightening ideas.
“His discussion brought to mind my inability to relax and have a restful mind during Shavasana. This pose poses the most difficulty for me. Even with guided instruction my mind does not want to rest. As I begin to breathe into my extremities and move the breath closer to my body’s core, I will begin to feel like I’ve reached a resting state. Boom! Then I remember to add skim milk to the grocery list. I push the thoughts away, and more flood in. It’s almost as if my brain is playing cruel tricks.
From Goldstein’s discussion, I noted in my journal the purpose of liberation through non-clinging is an “unshakable deliverance of the mind” (2008). I am not a meditative person, but I would like to be. The closest I come to meditation is the Shavasana pose. I want to achieve a restful mind because I feel this places me one step closer to liberation through non-clinging. Goldstein states non-clinging does not have to be a future event, we can begin to achieve non-cling now.
After listening to Goldstein’s discussion, I performed my nightly yoga routine. For Savasana, I stretched out and let my thoughts just go. I found a few of Goldstein’s statements to be helpful. The first, “freedom is in the non-grasping mind”. The second, “everything is impermanent”. After all, everything is impermanent. I didn’t need to think about that thought. It wasn’t the time to focus on whatever came to mind. This was my time to rest and let the efforts of my practice sink in to my body.
Goldstein’s thoughts on direct perception are relatable to this scenario. According to him, we can redefine our direct perception. We can pay attention to thoughts, sensations, and other items that are arising but we can also be aware of what happens to them. Once we become mindful of this occurrence, we become aware of conditions changing or flowing. Everything is impermanent.
Goldstein discussed Buddha’s advice to free the heart/mind. “See how (thoughts) come and go, contemplate letting them go do not cling to them. When we do not cling, there is no agitation.” I felt this during my Shavasana moment. My thoughts could come because there is no way to shut them out. I could choose to let them go without focusing on them or clinging to them.
There are areas in my life where I cling. This clinging does create agitation. Right now, these areas include gaining employment and hoping my children have good, caring teachers in the fall. I have done all that I can personally do to make these things happen. Clinging to these areas will not help ensure a desirable outcome. Therefore, I should acknowledge these thoughts when they come to mind but then swipe them away. And in its place simply allow for sublime peace, simplicity and greater joy.Thank you for reading this blogpost about the everyday power of letting go!”
I hope you will consider a yoga teacher training with us soon! To schedule a free, 20 minute personal phone consultation, please click here: http://bit.ly/1cOjOJo.