In a particularly yummy Yin yoga class today, we practiced a series of supported backbends. Opening my heart to the ceiling, I realized I needed to let go.
Aparigraha, the yama usually associated with abstention from greed or possessiveness also applies to the thoughts, beliefs, or stressors in our lives that we do not need or that no longer serve us.
Just as I was asked gently to scan my body in this morning's Supta Baddha Konasana to locate and release any tension I was holding onto, we must learn to release the worries, cares and concerns of our lives to the universe.
Surrendering to the support of the floor, the bolster, and pillows supporting me and keeping me safe and comfortable, what was I supposed to do? There comes a point when we can no longer hang on to the things that are harming us.
This holds true for every part of our lives.
As I wrote in an earlier blog entry, I've been struggling a great deal with depression. Those clinging, grasping, cloying thought patterns of "not good enough" and "never getting better" are one example of thoughts and beliefs I had to let go of.
Now, thanks to the safe vulnerability of yoga, I'm able to surrender to the Universe the other things I worry about in constant refrain: money, weight loss, finding my life's calling....
