Greetings Yogis and
Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering Tapas and the cultivation of true spontaneity.
This week in class we are considering Tapas and the cultivation of true spontaneity.
The loathsome mask
has fallen, the man remains
Sceptreless, free,
uncircumscribed, but man
Equal, unclassed,
tribeless, and nationless,
Exempt from awe,
worship, degree, the king
Over himself.
– Percy Bysshe Shelley
None of us wants to
be artificial. We all want to be natural and spontaneous. But true spontaneity
is not simply doing what we feel like doing and not doing what we don't feel
like doing. That is simply reacting as we have been conditioned to react. It is
really no more spontaneous than a rubber ball which bounces when we drop it on
the sidewalk.
We are being truly
spontaneous when we can change the habits of a lifetime. We are being truly
spontaneous when we are able to drop our pet project and work for the welfare
of those around us without a ripple of protest in the mind. We are being truly
spontaneous when we can respond calmly, constructively, and compassionately to
a difficult situation. The secret of spontaneity is training. We cannot just
decide to be spontaneous overnight; but we can all make these marvelous
transformations in our lives if we are prepared to put in the sustained effort they
require.
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day –
Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to review the third Niyama (practices of self-purification through
discipline) or Tapas. Tapas is a burning
inner zeal and austerity, a sort of unflagging hardness of attitude towards
oneself which make possible compassion and forgiveness towards others. Consider how you can cultivate Tapas in your
Yoga practices and elsewhere and create more true spontaneity in your life.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington
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