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OPEN MIND OPEN BODY Ideas for Your Yoga Practice |
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PARABLE 1: WHY BOTHER PRACTICING AT ALL?
The dehydrated and exhausted man said, "Oh, this river is far too much for me to drink. I could never finish it."
Kelly's comments: How often do we feel so overwhelmed by the idea of a practice that we fail to do anything at all?
This parable illustrates, to me, how we create our own suffering in life. We spend most of our time chasing false illusions about what will reduce our suffering. Then, when we are lucky enough to stumble upon something that can truly reduce our suffering (such as yoga and meditation), we become intimidated by what it will require of us.
The moral of this parable is not to be overwhelmed, and to take the first sip. Don't make yourself suffer more because you think you need to do everything at once.
PARABLE 2: IF A LITTLE PRACTICE IS GOOD FOR ME.....
So the woman pushed aside her meal and began to eat the salt straight out of the container.
Kelly's comments: When we begin to fall in love with yoga, it can be tempting to spend more and more time in formal practice. This is helpful to a point, but eventually we need to re-engage with our lives.
For most of us, the point of a yoga practice is to help us live more fully inspired and connected lives. That includes work, service, family, community, and creativity. The formal practice of yoga and meditation can help draw out the best in us and in our lives - but it is not meant to take us away from our lives.
The moral of this parable is that you don't need to practice for hours and hours a day. Let the benefits of your practice spread out over your whole life, which is a rich source of nourishment.
PARABLE 3: A PERFECT PRACTICE OR NOTHING AT ALL
So he took his cows to the edge of a cliff and drove them off, one at a time, killing them all.
Kelly's comments: Yoga practice can bring out the perfectionist in us. We can be devoted to our practice, diligent and faithful, and then fall apart as soon as we 'slip'.
Do you feel discouraged when you miss a practice? When you planned to go to a class but didn't make it? When an illness or injury prevents you from practicing your 'usual' asana routine? When life interrupts the habits of your practice?
The moral of this parable is to not throw out the whole practice, just because you don't live up to your idea of the ideal practice. One cow is better than no cows. One deep breath is better than no awareness, or no practice.
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