Wishing you a day of effortless effort where you are not feeling pulled or pushed. And a day where you aren't the one doing the pushing or pulling. I know from experience every time you push your partner, he or she will pull back and when we try to pull at them to stay longer they will then push away. It's the win-lose scenario of dualism. Imagine how strong a person has to be that when you push them they don't react to your pushing. All while at the same time they are careful not to overcompensate for the initial push in order to maintain balance. Whew! That's not fun.
But when we follow the lead of our breath and stop pushing and pulling at the people in our lives it all makes for living an easeful life. On the mat we practice recognizing energies of Pushing and Pulling, Dvesa and Raga, so we can live better off the mat. Take to heart the words of Judith Lasater who writes, “in life we are pulled between trying to get what you want and trying to avoid what you don’t want. Pulling and Pushing away both limit our freedom.” What is freedom? To me is about learning to be happy with what life is offering you (reducing the extremes of pushing and pulling). It's so simple.
This concept is from the Yoga Sutras:
Yoga Sutras Chapter 2, Verse 7
Excessive fondness for pleasant experiences causes longing. Attachment (Raga) which is "pushing".
Yoga Sutras Chapter 2, Verse 8
Excessive avoidance of unpleasant experiences causes contempt. Aversion (Dvesa) which is "pulling".
On And Off The Mat We Can Be Aware Of What We Are Thinking:
- Where are your thoughts PUSH energy? Push thoughts are things like “I don’t want to hold this pose, I don’t want to try this new or difficult variation”
- Where are your thoughts PULL energy? Pull thoughts might be things like “I need another Sun Salutation,” “I have to do 35 vinyasas per class no matter what,”
When we aren't pushing away positive change or pulling at it either, we remain on easy speed and life becomes a Win-Win. Try it and see! Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia
