This week's joys
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I’ve noticed how easily my mind obsesses over what’s not right, whether it be in my own life or in the world. I can feel the constriction and resistance to what’s happening (or not happening) settling into my body and mind. I become lost in my head- replaying the past, getting hung up on the things I should have or shouldn’t have said/done (and the shame that surrounds that), mentally rehearsing conversations in an effort to try to control the future, spiraling in anger and frustration at all the idiocy, cruelty, and systems of oppression in the world. I’m guessing you sometimes do this, too. (No? Just me, then?) Much of our discontent stems from wanting any moment to be other than what it is. It’s often our tendency to get stuck in the suffering of what is going wrong in any moment. As well as the suffering of longing for it to be different. I so easily find myself swimming in that negative spiral- fixated only on what’s not right. When there is, in fact, also a lot that is right and good and beautiful. Both can be true in any given moment and both need to be felt. But getting stuck in one or the other isn’t healthy or helpful. Fixating on only one or the other will set us up for either apathy or ignorance. Santosha, one of the five observances (or Niyamas) in yogic philosophy, is the contentment that comes from being present to suffering and also the joy that comes despite suffering. Santosha is the true understanding that there is nothing more that can or does exist other than this very moment. Santosha doesn’t, however, invite us into complacency. Instead, it gives us a steadiness to not get stuck in fear. It allows us to meet each moment with curiosity and presence. To see that there’s also so much beauty and abundance all around. Recognizing that there is also joy in each moment allows us to remember that there are things worth fighting for. It moves us into right action, to create the change that’s necessary. Santosha invites us into a steadiness where, no matter what happens, we can remain calm and know exactly what to do. This week’s joys: Stella greeting me with her cute grin and squinty eyes when I get home. Getting my hands in the soil this week, repotting some outdoor plants and introducing some Aster and Black-eyed Susan to the group. Watching the bees and butterflies discover and enjoy these new additions to the backyard. The cool mornings that have invited me to open my office windows, wrapping me in soft breeze and bird song while writing at my desk. To our steady centers, Courtney Other joys: If you’d like to explore yoga’s ethical principles in detail, I recommend the book The Yamas & Niyamas by Debra Adele. She weaves them into stories and examples, making them both accessible and practical. Reminder- I've created a free meditation, yoga, and breathwork practice for you. Click here to create your account in the Courtney Lewis Wellness Self-Care Practice Library and access your free practices. |
