Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Practicing Contentment

"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey." Fitzhugh Mullan

"As a result of contentment, one gains supreme happiness" Yoga Sutra


Due to several small injuries in various places on this aging body, I have not been able to enjoy my daily yoga practice. It is has become one of the joys to go off into my own little yoga sanctuary each morning for a full power vinyasa practice then sit and meditate.

Then wham not one, not two, but three injuries in less than a few weeks and no yoga. I have to say it set me back for a bit.

But it has given me the opportunity to reflect on all the ways I have incorporated yoga into my daily routine.

The physical practice of yoga asana (postures) did not “find” me until long after I had been practicing Dhyana
(meditation) and mindfulness (or present moment awareness).

So after I got over my initial “whoo is me”… feeling sorry for myself, I sat and contemplated.

Svadhyaya (self study) helped me realize that Sauca (health and fitness) have always been part of my daily routine. And that I am a person who can adapt to any situation.

I realized that adapting and changing my form of exercise was in order. My job to find new ways turned out to be looking at old ways (pre-yoga that is). I dug out some of my old workout tapes and since aerobic won't work right now with the injuries I have, I found two great AB workouts…great for strengthening the core. And I can always use a flatter stomach and a stronger core….who among us couldn't.

Another bonus is that we have been experiencing unusually warm and sunny weather for this time of year in New England. So communing with nature was in order. I can’t put my shoes on to do my usual 4 mile walk. But I can walk barefoot, so I was able to go to the beach and walk barefoot in the sand for hours!! How cool is that!!!

So I’m practicing Santosa (contentment) these days and enjoying a little break for my regular routine. Maybe my injuries are just a way of telling me to slow down, smell the roses and be content.

Namaste
Gypsy Girl

3 comments:

Babs said...

Glad to see you writing again! Welcome back..........Lucky you to have a beach to walk barefoot on!

Gypsy Girl said...

Yeah...I saw your post about not being near an ocean or lake...lovely post and lovely picture!!! Will I survive this winter in SMA without my beaches???

Yogamum said...

It is so good to be able to do the other yogic practices as well as asana. Too often I forget that, when injury sets me back. I hope you're feeling better soon.