Using your gifts to the best of your ability and to serve others

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering if we are using our gifts to the best of our ability and to serve others.

I look upon all creatures equally; none are less dear to me and none more dear. But those who worship me with love live in me, and I come to life in them.
-Bhagavad Gita

There is no need to compare ourselves with others or to feel our contribution is less important than someone else's. Yesterday I read a story that makes this point very well. It was about a Hasidic rabbi named Susya, who said, "When I die, I will not be asked, Why weren't you more like Moses?' I will be asked, Why weren't you more like Susya?'"

Similarly, the Self is not going to say, "You could have been a doctor! Why were you just a nurse's aide?" He is going to ask, "Were you the best nurse's aide you knew how to be? Did you help your patients not just by your labor, but by your genuine concern for their welfare?" Each of us has a special gift, some special capacity by which we can contribute to the welfare of those around us. What is important is that we use that gift or skill to the very best of our ability.

Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran

The homework is to reflect about your gifts and ask yourself if you are using your gifts to the best of your ability and to serve others. Consider how your Yoga practice can support you in this process.

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
The BKS Iyengar Yoga School of Southwest Washington
417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003

Overcoming Jealousy

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering the topic “Overcoming Jealousy”.

To overcome jealousy, try to adopt a more advanced philosophical perspective. Begin to see yourself as a cosmic being, not as an individual, and all personalities as manifestations of the same Self.

Learn to see every human being as you would see your child or another near and dear relative. As such, they are all deserving of great joy. The happiness of all beings is yours. The world is your family, your own limb, your own Self. In the vast treasury of bliss that your inner Self enjoys, there is an abundance for all, and more is eternally forthcoming.

- Swami Jyotirmayananda

The reflection from the quote is to notice the next time the feeling of jealousy comes up and evaluate it in the light of every person deserving great joy. Consider what mental work has to be done to turn your jealousy into joy for this person.

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003

Joy Beyond Fun

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

In class this week we are talking about “Joy Beyond Fun.”

“I don’t think any sensitive person can be satisfied with having fun, no matter how much of it we cram into out lives. Our need is not for pleasure but for joy – a deep sense of fulfillment that not only never leaves us but actually increases with the passage of time. Fun is living for ourselves; joy comes from living for others, giving our time and love to a purpose greater than ourselves”.
-Eknath Easwaran

The reflection from the quote is to imagine a world where we all live life for others and see God in every person we meet – a life of selfless service. Experiment with and practice this concept of selfless service and apply it to your life.

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
417 NE Birch St.
Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994
www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003

Welcome to the Rushing Water Yoga Blog!

Welcome to the Rushing Water Yoga Blog!

Look here often for updates and news from Paul and the Studio!

Namaste'