All Fame No Blame
There are certain threads of similarity that weave humanity together. One such thread is the notion of a seed potential that lies within each of us. It is a dream of what life could be. It is what we imagine our world could be if we properly organized ourselves, better managed ourselves, and held true to our values. Wether we seek this through the form of better work, better homes, or better relationships there is always this seed potential lying dormant within us. It beckons us forward to work, strive, and manifest a more desirable reality.
In preparing for this weekend’s presentation I was thinking about how to encourage an open mind. Learning Ayurveda is largely a process of unlearning. It requires that we release some implicit biases regarding the validity of information. Even for those of us actively seeking the knowledge, this can be difficult. It is in our best interest to cultivate a child like curiosity in order to explore new territory and refrain from making quick judgements that maintain our current structures of belief.
As I contemplated this it occurred to me that my rational mind (the “me” that makes choices, plans things, and figures stuff out - The “I” in my mind that claims that I do things based on rational conclusions and objective facts) is quite the character. I noticed this rational mind of mine is quick to take credit for my successes and favorable outcomes. He says “I did that! Good job! I did that through rational thinking and logical conclusions. I planned that. I understand that. I prepared for that and that’s why it worked.”
However when I seek to determine the reason for my failures my rational mind quickly turns the blame to me. He says “You just lack the will power!” “You’re making bad choices,” or “You’re just weak or inadequate in some way.” When I ask myself something like “Why am I experiencing more anxiety lately? My rational mind is nowhere to be found. If I ask “Why are my relationships suffering, why am I unmotivated, or why do I do things I know I’ll regret?” …….. Nothing but crickets from my oh so powerful rational mind.
And so enough is enough. I’m calling out my rational mind! I’ve decided he needs to account for his lack of responsibility and have a legitimate conversation with me. Reason and rationality don’t prevent me from doing the same dumb thing over and over again. Nor do they prevent me from feeling a negative emotion over and over again. I don’t choose my passions, what I like, who I like, or how I feel based on logic. The truth is that logic and reason rarely motivate my heart or nourish my spirit.
And so I’m making a proposal: Perhaps the difference between my current reality and the one I’m dreaming of is more a consequence of my physiology than it is my own ineptitude.
Perhaps my negative emotions and poor choices are in fact a response to a set of physiological conditions and not due to my failure as a “good human being.”
Over time it can be discouraging to continually wait for my dream seed potential to sprout. If each time I check on it all I see is dirt, it becomes easy for me to criticize. Well it’s just a bad seed I say. And that certainly comes with its own relief. But my truth seems to suggests that perhaps it is more a matter of environment and less a matter of seed quality.
In my heart of hearts I believe the seed potential in each of us is purely divine and so I can’t genuinely believe that any of us have a seed quality problem. I believe if my life isn’t serving me the way we want it to it is because I am not tending to my soil properly.
I also believe that Yoga and Ayurveda are the complete Vedic prescription to proper gardening technique :)
In the same way that Yoga guides our awareness to the habits and preferences of our minds and behavior giving us an opportunity to change our habits. Ayurveda guides our awareness to the habits and preferences of our physiology. The truth is our bodies become accustomed to certain states of being. Certain states of stress, anxiety, and depression come with their own little comforts as well. Otherwise we wouldn’t accept them as they are. They are the devil we know and have chosen to live with.
According to Ayurveda the body is the seat of the mind. In order to have a healthy mind we must cultivate a healthy body. The spiritual masters tell us that as human beings our true nature resides in total bliss. But we’ve covered it up with our strivings, attachments, and aversions.
All in all I felt a little more compassion for myself this week. If I want to experience the changes I desire it isn’t my being that needs to be punished or whipped into shape. I would do better to criticize my “rational understanding” of my problems, claim my ignorance, and submit to ancient wisdom. Not only the sacred sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda but the inner light that guides me and the people I love.
And so let us continue to strive together! We can manifest our dreams and be confident that we are sacred, pure, and worthwhile. Let us take full advantage of what Ayurveda has to offer and prepare ourselves to receive it. May we allow its wisdom to penetrate our awareness and guide us towards our complete transformation. One in which our daily experience consists of peace, contentment, thriving, and abundance.
I have a couple of exciting announcements this week!
I am hosting a 4 Part Intro to Ayurveda Workshop Series with Cityoga. Part 1 has already begun however you can join for part 2 this Saturday April 30th. We will recycle the series in the future so you will have the chance to take part 1 later on. Learn more at cityoga.biz
I am co-facilitating a “Cultivating a New Relationship with Sugar” program with Health coach Beth Windemuller. May 10th we begin our program where we combine the ancient healing science of Ayurveda with the modern science of health coaching to encounter your relationship with sugar and empower you to redefine it. Learn more at balancepointcoaching.com