Your Soul’s Address

This summer, I have spent a good deal of time beating myself up and not looking at my body with gratitude.  I put on a swimsuit and immediately picked out what I thought were my flaws, sure everyone would see them and then cast judgement.  Then, my good friend Karen shared a book with me titled “An Altar in the World.”  This passage spoke to me and helped me see things in a new light.  I hope it does the same for any of you who suffer from any form of self-loathing, inner criticism, or negativity toward your physical body:

I can say that I think it is important to pray naked in front of a full-length mirror sometimes, especially when you are full of loathing for your body.  Maybe you are too heavy.  Maybe you have never liked the way your hipbones stick out… It is always something.  Then again, maybe you have been sick…  You have gotten glimpses of your body as you have bathed or changed clothes, but so far maintaining your equilibrium has depended upon staying covered up as much as you can.

This can only go on for so long…Whether you are sick or well, lovely or irregular, there comes a time when it is vitally important for your spiritual health to drop your clothes, look in the mirror, and say, “Here I am.  This is the body-like-no-other that my life has shaped.  I live here.  This is my soul’s address.”  After you have taken a good look around, you may decide that there is a lot to be thankful for, all things considered.  Bodies take real beatings.  That they heal from most things is an underrated miracle.  That they give birth is beyond reckoning.

When I do this, I generally decide that it is time to do a better job of wearing my skin with gratitude instead of loathing.  No matter what I think of my body, I can still offer it to God to go on being useful in the world… At the very least, I can practice a little reverence right there in front of the mirror, taking some small credit for standing there unguarded for once.

This was my wake up call… I love my yoga practice and I love that my body can move with ease.  I cannot ask for much more than that.  This body (yours, mine, and everything in between) is truly a gift.  Enjoy it and give thanks for it each day.  This week I am going to practice wearing my skin, unguarded and grateful.

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Be Kind to Yourself

The following is from a student, friend and teacher.  I think I will be adding this to my daily practices.  Thank you David for sharing…

Everyday at work before I start listing my daily to do’s I write at the top of the new page “Be Kind and Considerate to Yourself.” This would include having awareness for the foods that I eat, the physical activity that I partake in, but most importantly the thoughts that I have about myself. Always, always look upon yourself in a positive way. If you should make a mistake remember the countless times you have made the right decision. If you should happen to come across rudely to someone consider all the times you have been nice to another person. If you should feel sad or lonely think about all of those around you who truly love you.

I know with 100% certainty that when I feel good about myself I am much happier inside and much more equipped to help and support those around me.

David Allwright

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Connecting with Your Inner Self

The following post is from one of our students and friends, David.  He has wonderful insight and we are so glad he has chosen to share his writings with us…

In April of last year I attended a yoga workshop led by Aadil Palkhivala. During this workshop, Aadil took time to explain the important role yoga plays in helping us to reconnect with our inner self. The following story is from my notes.

Train Story

Two cars are traveling down the road. The car in front is a convertible. They both get stopped at a railroad crossing and one of those endless trains goes by. To help pass the time the driver of the rear car gets out to chat with the person in the convertible. The train is so noisy that they can’t hear each other speak. The communication between the two drivers becomes a series of hand gestures and nodding heads. Finally the train passes and they continue on their journey. Just after the RR crossing the road splits. The convertible takes the fork to the right and rear car takes the fork to the left. All of a sudden the rear car loses control as both front tires blow out.

What was communicated? The man in the convertible was saying that an accident had occurred the night before and that glass was still covering the road. He said to avoid the fork to the left. The noise of the train was so loud he couldn’t be heard.

Explanation? The man in the convertible represents our inner self, voice, our true nature. The train represents our conditioning or lack of sensitivity. The fork represents the choices we make in this life.

Our path? Life is about increasing our awareness and sensitivity to our inner voice so that we can make the most informed choices.

Another quote that illustrates this idea is from the book “Words of the Mother” from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

“Before the true self is known, you are a public place, not a being. There are so many clashing forces working in you: hence, if you wish to make real progress, know your own being which is in constant union with the Divine and then alone will transformation be possible.”

Namaste,

David

 

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