I was at a teaching on Mahamudra last week with Michael Hewitt and loved something he said about when we are aligned. Michael was speaking a bit about moving our energy (winds, prana, chi) from the side channels into our central channel. The side channels are where we experience things like jealousy, anger, sadness, anxiety, etc. When we move the energy into the central channel I loved how he said that we just know what to do and we do it. It is like when artists write songs or paint. It can be called peak performance in the corporate environment, and in sports it is known as the zone.
I thought this was such a great analogy because I think we all have experienced moments or glimpses like this at some point. It makes so much sense to think of it this way because things become so clear and easy. When we are in the zone we are fully present. We know what needs to be done and we do it. It does not mean it will not be hard work and that we will not need help from others. In fact if you think of it in terms of "the zone" it is very hard work. There are things we need to do to prepare. In yoga it's the 8 limbs, in Buddhism there is study and meditation. Happiness, which happens in the central channel, does not happen by mistake or just one day for no reason. It happens by being disciplined and working hard.
I was in a yoga class with Kim Kemper a few days ago and the teacher read a story about birds and why they fly in a V formation. I am going to attach the link. I thought it was a beautiful story and described what it is like when we are aligned. When the winds are in the central channel we all know our job, how to work with others, take care of others, be the most efficient, and be present. Even though we are all individuals we are all part of something greater. Hope you enjoy it..... http://hubpages.com/hub/Birds-Fly-In-V-Formation
I thought this was such a great analogy because I think we all have experienced moments or glimpses like this at some point. It makes so much sense to think of it this way because things become so clear and easy. When we are in the zone we are fully present. We know what needs to be done and we do it. It does not mean it will not be hard work and that we will not need help from others. In fact if you think of it in terms of "the zone" it is very hard work. There are things we need to do to prepare. In yoga it's the 8 limbs, in Buddhism there is study and meditation. Happiness, which happens in the central channel, does not happen by mistake or just one day for no reason. It happens by being disciplined and working hard.
I was in a yoga class with Kim Kemper a few days ago and the teacher read a story about birds and why they fly in a V formation. I am going to attach the link. I thought it was a beautiful story and described what it is like when we are aligned. When the winds are in the central channel we all know our job, how to work with others, take care of others, be the most efficient, and be present. Even though we are all individuals we are all part of something greater. Hope you enjoy it..... http://hubpages.com/hub/Birds-Fly-In-V-Formation
Every season I give my girls the "geese speech". I love how you tied it into happiness.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing. I'm loving reading.
This was given to us (cac and myself) when we were playing FH @ Rider. It's so inspiring and so true. Thank you for sharing. I'm going to try to remember where my happiness lies the next time i'm feeling angry or anxious! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you Shannon. It's all about intention and ending the suffering of others. I will be honking at you to keep up your speed the next time you instruct vinyasa!
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