|
We call yoga a practice for a reason. Practice prepares us for the real work … the work of living our life.
Practice consists of rehearsing, over and over, the actions and reactions we want to master, so that, when the
time comes, we are ready to perform skillfully. Yoga practice builds awareness, which leads to choice. When we
practice coming face to face with challenging moments, we learn how to slow down, and notice what is really
going on. We learn how to decide the right way to act or react. We awaken to all the possibilities that exist
in that moment, rather then default to one habitual, and perhaps inappropriate, action.
This awakening can be achieved through a six-step program combining both yin and yang elements. In cognitive
behavioral therapy a similar program is offered to help people cope with anxieties, phobias, and debilitating
fears. There are fears that help us to live, and there are fears that stop us from living. These fears may be
consciously recognized, or they may live deep inside us, directing our behavior and reactions without our
conscious awareness. All these anxieties are stimulated by situations or thoughts, real or imagined. When
faced with a challenge, our unconscious mind often sends us subliminal directives (activated by the samskaras).
When we deliberately create challenges, such as during our yoga or meditation practices, we get a chance to
rewire the unconscious mind, to reprogram new and more appropriate responses. We can undo the karmic defaults
we live under. [1]
The six-step program that helps us conquer our fears and anxieties, [2] and awaken to the moment, is called
A.W.A.K.E.N. Each letter represents one stage of the program:
- Allow
- Watch
- Act
- Keep at it
- Expect the best
- Now
When these steps are followed, over and over again, they become a healthy, healing habit. Once the habit is
established, the fears we experience are reduced to only those that are appropriate for the situation we are
in. To make these six steps into a habit, do them during your yoga practice or at any time you recognize unease
creeping into your body, mind, or heart.
|
1 -- Thich Nhat Hanh would call these samskaras "weeds," which we tend to water
mindlessly. We water weeds when we could be watering beautiful flowers.
2 -- These would be called "dukha" in the Yoga Sutra.
|
|
The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga can be ordered via Amazon. Just click the picture.
To buy YinSights as an eBook (PDF format), click the Buy Now button: $5.95 US
|
