Do you want to be right….or do you want to be free? -Sharon Gannon
Before we start yoga, we must answer this question. By “right” Sharon means our identification with the EGO. (In truth we aren’t actually ‘right’ even though we think we are.) Usually we are faced with this question when undergoing tremendous suffering. Otherwise, we are quite content being ‘right.’ But until we are ready to choose to be free over being right, we can’t embark on the path of yoga. That is why it is said that yoga isn’t for everyone; some people aren’t ready or don’t want to be free. They just want to be right. (How’s that working out for you?)
If you have made the choice to be free, now what? You can’t really trust your mind because that is what got you here in the first place. But you can use your heart and set the intention to let go of the need to be right. Even if you don’t yet know how to become free, you can repeatedly remind yourself to surrender your steel-like grip on your EGO. At this point, it is all about surrender.
This involves humbleness and humility. This is a crucial prerequisite to embarking on the path of yoga. Remember that famous old saying about a student going to a teacher asking for teachings, but the guru says he can’t help him because his cup is already full? This practice is about emptying; recognizing you don’t know how to be free or happy and are lost.
And then work with what you have, your body. This is where the work of tapas, purification, comes in. We use asana and pranayama to start cleansing our ignorance.
But realize this is hard work! The spiritual path is not for the timid. But the point is to make us feel overwhelmed, to break us down, to make us ready for transformation. And you will change. Fundamentally. So commit, if you are ready. And find something to inspire you, to support you, to help you persevere on this arduous path. Find something transcendent. Maybe God, maybe a concept, maybe a person. But find something and let it help you on your journey.
“We don’t have time to live a mediocre life.” – David Life
“You get one life that is so precious it is like a diamond and if you are wasting it, you are selling it like coal.” -- Sri Brahmananda Sarasvati
PRACTICES
1. “Let Go” meditation
2. Set your intention, find your inspiration
3. Humble warrior
