Non-Attachment - Personal Practice

I am not as "easy going" as I like to think.  I have many attachments!  

A few examples are I like to use my own personal bathroom, I want my vehicle to run properly at all times, and I like the routine of writing "The Yoga Lessons" each week.

Well, I can tell you I've had quite the week regarding attachment.

I'm going on vacation and I'll be camping.  Which requires I be easy going regarding the use of public bathrooms, something I'm not good at.

Luckily this week I had a friend talk about an experience with dysentery.   My friend was so enthusiastic about just getting out there and trying something new even though there was discomfort associated to the experience.  I caught the enthusiasm!  I thought to myself "I can do this!  I can camp and use a public bathroom!  Heck!  Maybe even a port-a-potty!"  Well, that last comment may be a bit much.

This week is my Birthday Week!  Now, this is a big deal to me and always has been.  I'm that person that likes to extend my Birthday the whole MONTH, if I can get away with it.

I spoke to my significant other about my expectations and he politely reminded that "I can't expect others to be mind readers" and all I need to do is ask for what I want and need.  We had experienced a lot of heart ache because I attached to past experiences and expectations.  I'm working to let go of the attachment and I've found some new experiences that are wonderful!  I just needed to stop looking at the past.  Ah, more practice for me!

Now the weird one!  I have a real affection for my vehicle.  For some reason it represents independence to me and no other vehicle will do!  I have to have this vehicle!

Of all things, on my birthday my car stalled and simply stopped working.  I was really disappointed that my birthday plans changed in the middle of the day and I needed to address the issue with my vehicle.  I really felt like it let me down.  How could my vehicle do this to me?!?  Then, I was reminded that it's not a big deal, it's only a vehicle.  I can let go of this "attachment".  Hmm...

Ugh!  Why can't I just be finished with all these lessons?  Why can't I be done practicing?  Why am I just not automatically enlightened?

Well.  I guess because I haven't let go of my attachments.  I like my comforts and comfort zones.  And there is nothing wrong with this.

Maybe I'll get there, I'll reach enlightenment, maybe I won't.  But I wouldn't give up the practice of getting to know myself better for anything!  

What a Great Journey with wonderful friends and family to help me along the way to gain new perspectives and show me when I'm attached.

Non-Attachment.  Easier said than done!

Non-Attachment - Yoga Lesson

Non-Attachment is such a wonderful concept!  

The thought of not needing "this or that" seems very freeing.

Then comes practice.  Being at peace even when our comfort zones and the things we rely on to feel safe are lost to us.

Examples may be:

We have a routine we follow everyday.  

Or we have an expectation for a specific outcome.

Maybe we rely on something that brings us sense of independence.

What happens when the unexpected happens, then we loose something, and our expectations are not met?

How do you react?

Why not let it go?  What ever you are attached to.  Let it go.

Practice Non-Attachment and be uncomfortable.  See what happens.

You might just find enlightenment.

Awareness - Personal Practice

I took a break this past weekend.  I did nothing I normally would.  I literally sat around next to a pool, read, wrote, ate and socialized with old friends and new friends.

It was GREAT!!!

I needed that time away from my life.  I called it poolside therapy as I wrote in my journal.

I knew I needed to get away and gain perspective.  To listen to my heart and speak my mind.  

I was also lucky that I had people to listen to me rant along.

At the end of my short vacation I gained a clarity and awareness about my life I could not see while living my life day to day.

I was able to articulate feelings and thoughts much more clearly by the end of the get away.

I could see myself.  What I want.  What I need.  Also, what I will not tolerate.

Specifically I will not tolerate feeling anxious or unhappy.  I will not tolerate letting myself perpetuate negative thoughts.

I clearly can see now where I need to communicate more effectively and where I need to focus my practice on the positive.

Allowing myself to rest, allowed me to clear my mind and gain some honesty with myself.

In being honest with myself, I've been able to be honest with others and find a closer connection.

Self awareness is wonderful!  Everyone should practice it!

I know I'm going to continue with Awareness.  Practice, practice, practice!

Awareness - Yoga Lesson

Life is about awareness.  Mostly of ourselves.

Knowing what you are doing to yourself physically will lead to more awareness mentally.

Mentally knowing yourself and when to call yourself out on negative thought patterns will help you to bring a more positive approach to your life.

Having a more positive outlook will open doors that had been closed and will bring a more connected feeling toward others.

A great way to start self awareness is by taking time to step back from the day to day of your life, to rest and relax.

With a rested body and a clearer mind you can be more aware in your normal day to day life.

Why not start with the next day you have off?  Schedule with loved ones or co-workers so that you can do something that will help you to rest on your day off.

See what happens with your awareness!