“As we grow older we come to understand that we can remain enmeshed in pain masked as pleasure, or we can decide to leave the pain behind and develop new ways of moving through the world.”

Rolf Gates, Meditations from the Mat:  Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga

Day 287 – Today’s reading is about the shift from the first four limbs, abhyasa, or practice (yamas, niyamas, asana, pranayama) to pratyahara, the beginning of the limbs of vairagya, renunciation.  Renunciation is such a strong word, evoking many negative feelings in my mind; however, I know that looking deeper what this means through exploration on the mat, I will come to arrive at what I probably already know; Rolf writes:  “Our practice makes clear the futility of many of our choices.”

My early morning routine is invaluable as a spiritual tool.  It is my ritual.  The dark crevices of the house allow a mostly silent stillness that serves well for self-reflection and small acts of introspection.  This is not unlike the classroom before and after duty time.  It is quiet, and echos of possibilities.

What then as I move toward understanding renunciation? What barriers must I overcome to self-realize?  And, indeed, how our practice does make clear the futility of many of our choices (but never with regard to compassion, peace, and love)! #loveisall #donoharm