Dear Yogis,
The ails of the world often make us forget, as Ram Dass says, “We are all just walking each other home.”
Every being that presents themselves to us in this life is a teacher. The ones who evoke the biggest emotions are often the ones with the biggest lessons to present.
The issue arises when we don’t allow ourselves to see these beings as they are. We see them as our expectations of them. Sometimes we fit people into a box or label with all the corresponding expectations that arise with it. And those expectations get so heavy, so dense, that we can’t see through them. We forget we are all on the same journey rolling towards the same destination. Some are rolling a little faster than others but we are all headed to the same place nonetheless.
For example; if I see my parent only through the lens of ‘parent’, then I have all these big expectations of what that means, and that box can be different for everyone perceiving it. Two siblings can imagine that box as different things. There’s no universal right or wrong because everyone has different opinions, wants and desires.
Since it’s so personal it is usually impossible for the person being put in the box to get it perfectly right. By doing this we take away the possibility of seeing someone as they are, meeting them where they are, and growing into something more liberating together.
Only in that way can we heal through relationship.
They are in actuality fellow humans, with a very beautiful consciousness inside and we are walking one another home.
They have so many lessons through our interactions that get hidden because we can’t see past the box. Insert any very triggering box label- lover, spouse, even child. Teacher, woman, man, business partner, patron, customer. All of these labels help us to understand how to relate, sure. But, they often end up in extremes that set others and ourselves up for failure.
So the practice of yoga teaches this deep all abiding compassion by asking us to alter our vision of others. Can we see them through the lens of what they present every given moment? And treasure all they present to us as sacred lessons about ourselves that will transform our container if we could just catch the lesson.
Yoga means union with the inner consciousness. The inner witness. The being inside that has been watching your body, mind, and the world around you change since you were a little baby.
Every lesson presented to you in this life is trying to make you remember that. Trying to help you find yourself, to rediscover who you are.
But if we only focus on the label of the boxes we put people into, our vision of them can never expand past such a constricting thing.
Please consider that if we are doing that to other people, it usually means we are doing it to ourselves too. Rather than identifying as the perfect, blissful consciousness beneath, we are identifying as the box we put ourselves in. Trying to conform to what we perceive the labels should look like irregardless of how limiting it feels.
Instead, why not break free and let your spiritual practice be reflected in your every relationship? Start to observe yourself in relation to one of those big teachers who really ruffles your feathers every time they don’t fit into the expectation box.
Notice the constriction within yourself and try to soften as you dedicate all of your efforts to dismantling the labels and knee jerk reactions. As you are able to sit with this other precious being, fully present, you can choose action with full clarity.
What are they presenting? Do I stay, heal and continue? Do I leave and heal? Do I set boundaries? Do I speak my truth? Do I keep it to myself? Get down to the bottom of what they are presenting to you every given moment by staying conscious. It’s one of the greatest keys to retaining a peaceful mind while dealing with others.
All that practice for life starts on your mat and extends into every facet of your life.
Use this as the mirror to reflect back the world you wish to see through the Revolution you create within yourself.
We have lots of opportunities to explore, engage and evolve at the studio this month. Check out all of our offerings below and please feel free to share with family and friends.
In love,
Amanda and the good folks at Revolution Yoga
Originally shared in our March 2021 newsletter.