Dear Yogis,
The mind is an incredible thing. This month at the studio we will be exploring our ability to concentrate as it is the precursor to the ability to remain present in all conditions.
And goodness are we experiencing strange times. We are fed doom on a daily basis from so many channels which programs our mind into a fear based, tumultuous state.
The mind chatter we hear daily is merely a repetition of all it has been programmed with. When the mind is allowed to ruminate and lead our actions without pause, without consideration, it can get us into grave trouble.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the mind makes a terrible master and a wonderful servant. Have you ever felt like you are a slave to your mind? That whatever shows up in it guides all your actions even when that inner voice (wisdom) says, “please no. I knew all along I shouldn’t have done that! I knew all along that person wasn’t safe. I knew all along I shouldn’t have said that but I didn’t act on the wisdom coming to me.”
So how do we flip this around and become the master of the mind rather than its slave? How can we lead by wisdom? By increasing our ability to concentrate for extended periods of time. It changes the brain chemistry. It builds up the prefrontal cortex (what shuts off when you’re drunk) and that builds the space between stimulus and response. With space we can guide action by wisdom rather than following every whim of desire irregardless of consequence. Rather than letting fear guide our actions we can choose wisdom instead.
This simple skill can help you achieve a deeper peace, better control over making beneficial decisions for your life, and the ability to achieve your best life.
With the first confirmation of coronavirus in New York, still being deep in the flu/virus season and our population of immunocompromised students we ask that if you have a cough, have had a fever in the past week or are generally feeling unwell to take your practice at home rather than come into the studio. Worst comes to worse we can send you a video practice- yoga for sick days- at home if you email us.
I wish you so much peace, contentedness and many blessings in 2020.
Peace and love,
Amanda and the good folks at Revolution Yoga
Originally shared in our March 2020 newsletter.