Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday

Try as I might to the contrary, even after all this time, I'm still left a little at odds once I hit that "Publish Post" button.

I am besieged by "What Ifs" and "So, Now Whats" and my personal favorite, "Does This Really Matter?"

So when I came across this little piece in my recent Yoga Journal, it threw down a mental gauntlet to challenge me. Maybe it can make us all think a little bit about the big picture:

"When faced with a challenge, a helpful mind-set can be found in the concept of Ishvara pranidhana, or nonattachment to the fruits of one's actions. As the ancient sage Patanjali says...Ishvara pranidhana can be a powerful approach that affects the way we approach every action we take.

Patanjali advises us to focus on the quality of an act, rather than on its outcome, leaving the 'fruits' of our actions to something greater.

From this perspective, everything we do becomes an opportunity for practice: We do the very best we can, whether we're running a race, giving a big presentation, or doing the dishes. Regardless of the outcome, the mind is calm, clear, and present because our joy comes from the act itself, rather than the result."

Kate Holcombe
Yoga Journal June 2009

11 comments:

Daryl said...

yoga hurts my knees

did you get my thank you for the tats and the Dream card? did you see I did a post thanking for the Dream card?

what does your yoga manual say about visiting blogs and posting comments?

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

I did yoga once...about 10 years ago. I think I liked it!

Unknown said...

I am studying the Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz and I am thinking about taking a hot yoga class this fall. There are many studios around here that you would love.

big hair envy said...

I heart yoga:) It always makes me feel better...

Shelley said...

Countess D: Yes, I know it hurts your knees. But it seemed to help your sciatica a little, non? Check out YogaJournal.com for more stretches to help that pesky ache.

I did get your thank you. Thank you back!

Countess NNG: Maybe it's worth revisiting??

Countess of the Land Mass: Don't tempt me - I'm currently on my 'vision quest' regarding teaching yoga - first stop is a retreat this September - Sqeeee! Who knows? A trip back east might be next...

Countess BHE: Now that most of the moves are second nature, the next step is to take the practise 'off the mat'. Not always easy, but just as gratifying.

Audrey at Barking Mad said...

As much as I think I'd look like an arse doing yoga, I think I'm at a point in my life where studying the philosophy behind it and actually TRYING yoga itself might be helpful.

Thanks for posting this. It's given me something to think about.

Shelley said...

Countess Audrey: The most beautiful thing about yoga? It's all about the intention. One does that best they can while honoring their body and what it can do at that moment, and that is good enough.

It really is a healing activity. And other than getting the alignment basics down, there is no real right or wrong. It's whatever is right - for you.

Ahh.

Good starting point - YogaJournal.com. A true treasure trove of information!

Country Girl said...

I feel an urge to do my dishes now, for some strange reason. I'm almost upset that they're already done . . .

Unknown said...

What's yoga??

Mental P Mama said...

Namaste

Shelley said...

Countess Country Girl: I don't want to blow your mind with my fortune-telling talents, but I think there may be an opportunity for you to surrender to the Zen of the dirty dishes tomorrow!

Countess Grandma: Nothing that any self-respectin' Texan would partake in!

Countess MPM: Back atcha, yogini!

 
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