NOW IS ALL WE HAVE,and we yogis know what a magical and mysterious moment that is. Right now, every moment counts as we help humanity shift into a new phase of consciousness – where stewardship is more important than ownership. These are challenging times indeed, and change will not come easy. Social Distancing, Online Classes, Home Schooling, Fire Watch… it all has us all on edge – separated and confused. But its’ up to us, so… what to do?
In Yoga philosophy, ignorance or Avidya is the primary reason for our deepest pains in life. “Not seeing the nature of our Oneness” is at the heart of all human suffering. Clashing belief systems lead us to separation and war. Is it worth it? To see the nature of our Oneness is the answer to today’s suffering. Yoga philosophy states the most expansive form of discrimination is Viveka – which helps us transcend the downward pull of ignorance or Avidya. Viveka means to discern or to decipher the difference between the real and unreal. This awareness gives us a knowing of when to speak, act, or not. It can be seen in the words of the late John Lewis “If you see something, say something”.
Viveka, discernment, is one of the greatest tools a yogi has in fighting Avidya (ignorance). Our larger relationship with all that is beyond our understanding or control is the biggest challenge to our sense of discernment since many moral polarities converge at this point of understanding. In the day to day illusion of reality (Maya), this intuitive gift of discerning truth from falsehood (Viveka) is most important and must be developed. In order to discern what is right for us, we must look at healing the wounds of living life in order to heal our relationships and make better choices. We know this both from history repeated and more than likely, personal experience.
The greatest falsehood in Yoga is that the world we have created is real. With so much ignorance, egoism, attachment, avoidance, clinging and fear present on Earth today, one may find themselves – how did we get here? The illusion (Maya) is delusional for sure, but we are in it together – and that’s all we really know for sure. Only through our higher intuition based in discernment of what is real and what we want to create, Viveka, that our work in the world and what is right for us might be revealed.
When it comes to making things better, we all have something to contribute. Everyone has something to contribute. As modern yogis, we believe in transforming the illusion we are a part of. No sitting on the bench; no waiting this one out. We must “be the change you wish to see in the world” and “create Heaven on Earth”. To discern our role in the world and participate through the alignment of our words, actions, and deeds – that is our work!! For years, YwN has been helping you pack up your Spiritual Backpack and sharpen your skill-sets for this very moment. Full of tools, tips and tricks we can use when the shift hits the fan (and the shift has definitely hit the fan), our Spiritual Backpack is a necessity with essentials like:
- 8 Limbs of Yoga – know how to drive? hope you remember how to slow down!
- Nabhi – meditation IS navigation… know how to steer?
- Kosha – armor or cage? protection or prison?
- Klesha – obstacles are everywhere
- Karma Yoga – we’re in this together, aren’t we?
We are not just doing this work for ourselves – we are caught up with generation’s past, present, and future in everything we do. Our reach is farther than we think. Now, more than ever, it’s important to remember that every act of kindness, every dollar we spend, and every move we make – matters right now. It all matters (#BLM) – eventually. To LOVE, SERVE, and REMEMBER is why we are here and what we must do. I’ve always taught you that. Just because “Trust has been broken and tears must be cried” does not mean we are not meant for this experience of beauty, bounty, and bliss. Humans are social creatures and we rely on each other to survive and thrive. Being together gives us context, meaning, and sacredness. And stronger connections will make us stronger together.
Relationships are key during any crisis, so now more than ever, it is extremely important to stay connected. Together is how we are going to get through this, so don’t go it alone. Where we’re going, we’ll need each other and so it is most beneficial to be working on it right now. When we look at who we are holding space for, do we like what we see? To turn things around, we have to be able to trust somebody – and that starts at home. To be trustworthy means that our words, actions, and deeds are aligned. And staying safe requires that we trust each other, not hurt one another.Where connection brings us together, support makes us want to stay together, and trust is what keeps us together. Without solid trust, our Oneness suffers.
But trust requires our discernment, Viveka. Not all relationships are that great, and some are downright destructive. However, relationships that are built on connection, support, and mutual respect set the stage for better ones. To build in ourselves and our relationships – the 4 agreements come to mind. (1) be impeccable with your word, (2) don’t take anything personally, (3) make no assumptions, and (4) always do your best. Creating, maintaining, and sustaining our relations is not easy work but it is the key to surviving and thriving as human beings. Although relationships are difficult, they are extremely rewarding for everyone. Ignorance, Pride, Attachment, Avoidance, Clinging and Fear (Klesha) are not the way – they are the obstacles. And that’s why we must keep working on it (Tapas). Our relationships with each other must be helpful not hurtful because we’re not alone – we’re together. And together is how we get through this. We can build trust with each other again, through stronger relationships that are based in the courage, comfort, and care of and for one another. We can do this! Let’s keep working on it and together, we can make this shift happen.
Look for and cultivate the “3 C’s” to nurture and grown your relationships. Have the courage to reach out to one another and to be vulnerable. Be willing to receive and give comfort where and when needed. And remember that sharing is caring. At YwN, staying elevated, serving & supportedduring these challenging times is our goal. Staying safe, sane, and spiritually anchored is our focus. Making this journey is an ‘all hands-on deck’ situation, but we have all the tools, skills, and experience we need to handle this human catastrophe. So, grab your spiritual backpack and lets’ do this! Welcome aboard!