When the mind constantly runs after the wandering senses, it drives away wisdom, like the wind, blowing a ship off course- Bhagavad Gita
Happiness cannot be found throught great effort and willpower, but is already present in open relaxation and letting go- Ven. Lama Gendun Rinpoche
The other day I blogged about contentment. It is very easy to feel on top of the world when you are not being tested, but is this your default setting? If pressures build up do you breathe through them, find ways to diffuse tension or do you store it, let it build and then explode? I am not talking about the once in a while scenarios, but if things are not all peachy keen, what are your attitudes, perceptions, and coping strategies? Is it still contentment or is this a borrowed measure reserved for the one day all the bills are paid, you have slept great, you have eaten well…In other words, are you happy and smiling whatever happens?
You see, the reason I put forth these question is that seeking happiness is one thing. Yogis call it uncovering our true Nature, and will tell you we are born into happiness but the thinking mind gives us all kinds of trouble. It starts us chasing after the senses, after material gain, accumulation, etc. Nothing wrong with wanting the Iphone 4 -it looks super cool. But if you have the Iphone 3 do you then become less happy with what you do not yet possess? Or do you accept what you have with gratitude? This last approach is the fertile ground for lasting happiness.
Contentment, Patanjali says in Sutra 11.42 is dynamic, as opposed to complacency which is a bit stagnant. We should be able to look at our life, weed out the toxic relationships and situations to then re-balance on all levels. This requires changing what isn’t working, therefore practising contentment is a call to action sometimes. It also asks us to want what we have.
Contentment brings us to a new perception of how things are, and so, calms the mind, fostering appreciation. It is an attitude that is independent of outside influences. What you have or don’t have does not change the essence of who you are. You may be thinking, “uh, maybe in my next life, that sounds pretty hard to sustain!” Though it may be easier to be happy when there is some kind of “success” in our life, the truly positive person will smile and keep a good sense of humour throughout turmoil, will exhale and relax. Will know that they are guided and protected, all-one, not alone.
I know virtues are hard to visualise and materialise and harmonise when things are tough, and disappointments abound. These are the times though when adopting a mind-set that views adversity as opportunity is helpful. So instead of chasing, spend a few moments in Nature, or quietly observing your breath, do a little Yoga Flow, take a walk. Allow this great and powerful and sustaining virtue to take root in your life so that your default setting is now rewired for peace and positivity in 2012…
Blessings,
Rana
Rana Waxman is a registered yoga therapist ERYT-500, with 20 years of teaching experience. Rana is a freelance writer and social media expert in addition to leading yoga workshops internationally and teaching alignment focused private and group Yoga Lessons in Hoboken and Jersey City NJ.
