Yoga+Meditation for Stress: Thought, Belief and the Space Between

Those who develop a regular yoga+meditation practice soon discover the benefits manifesting in the places they need it most. Initially, the practice takes place on the yoga mat but soon we realize the practice extends far beyond into our relationships, home, school and work. One specific way to take the practice beyond the mat is through Self-Inquiry. Our last blog introduced us into the specific process shared by Byron Katie and known as The Work. Today, we will deepen our understanding of how to use The Work to target the enormous challenge of stress in our lives. There are many examples at the website, www.TheWork.com and they are so well done it seems redundant to repeat them here.

Stress is the result of an unmet expectation. The word "tension" implies there are two points that are at odds with each other. Imagine a rope and you are holding onto to one end; the other end is tied to a stake in the ground. The rope is your thought about how something should be, and the stake is your belief in that thought that is not supported in your reality. Yoga teaches that thoughts aren't the problem but rather our attachments to those thoughts, essentially our beliefs. You may have realized by now that you cannot change people. Ghandi has a great quote that is timeless, "Be the change you want to see in the world". How about, be the change you want to see at work.

For many, the workplace is the greatest source of stress so begin noticing the relationship between thoughts and your beliefs about those thoughts. Apply "The Work" to your beliefs in order to realize, experientially, that these beliefs are not supported by reality. By practicing self-enquiry, yoga and meditation we can become more aware of this connection between thought and belief. Believing every thought that passes through your head is a recipe for stress and suffering. A student once asked a meditation master about the difference between the student's mind and the mind of the master, the Master replied, "thoughts that arise in this mind are like clouds passing through the sky".

Each time you feel the contractions or tightening characteristic of stressful moments, explore the thoughts and your belief about those thoughts that lead to that internal reaction. Practice is the key and withdrawing your expectations of reality in favor of being with your reality. The difference is subtle but profound.

Namaste,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta

Create Space in Your Busy Life

Hello All,

For many of us, life is full with work, family, hobbies and friends. Taken individually each are enriching and beautiful aspects of life but altogether it can feel overwhelming at times. It can feel like we have no space in our lives. Tension builds without even knowing it and we become rigid and fragile unable to bring the best of who we are to any of the many roles we play each day. Yoga and meditation help establish a spaciousness within ourselves that is perhaps the greatest gift we have that so often goes unacknowledged. With practice we become more patient, more compassionate, more sensitive and ultimately more joyful.

As you sit, simply be aware of your breath and trade the "thinking mind" for the "feeling mind". We pay the majority of our attention during the day to our thoughts and the emotions they generate. Paying more attention to the sensations in the body begins a subtle journey inwards. Allow the body to relax and the mind to become more and more concentrated. This practice is not about going anywhere but rather allowing everything in your moment to be just as it is. There is no substitute for regular practice, even though these tools are inherently simple they require practice to harness the tremendous value in your life. Find a yoga class or a meditation group or, if you have the self-discipline, practice on your own.

We will meet at Milo Boathouse tonight at 7 pm to receive the gift of space that we can then bring to the many elements of our life. Of course, yoga will also build strength, increase flexibility and improve your balance. I hope to see you there.

Namaste,

Steve

Yogi Jayanta