What do You See in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras?
When you look at a book, what do you see?
Perhaps you see a stack of rectangular sheets of paper glued together. But what else?
What do you see that isn’t there?
Do the words and the pictures on the cover bring back any memories?
Does the mere thought of books bring up recollections of long nights studying? Of lazy days at the beach? Of historical libraries?
So many times we take along our life’s baggage to observe a person, place or thing.
Our memories and ideas keep us from seeing clearly.
That’s not entirely bad – imagine looking at each and every STOP sign and seeing the sign for just for what it is instead of what it means. That would make for some exciting driving.
On the other hand, it helps to be aware that our memories prejudices influence what we perceive…
…to realize that we rarely see a book, a lake, a sunset or a person for what they actually are.
We rarely experience a physical sensation without some interpretation of what it means.
But sometimes we get a glimpse those expansive moments where we just perceive, without our memories and expectations crowding out the experience.
For most of those, those experiences are rare. But they point toward something Patanjali mentions in his yoga sutras (one of the major teachings on yoga).
He talks about normal perception being a mix of what is actually there and what is coming from your mind. This perception is usually unfocused and distracted.
Patanjali also talks about moving toward being able to truly perceive clearly and with your full attention – in essence, being in the state of yoga.
Gradually, with preparation, we can move toward seeing life, the universe and everything for what it actually is.
How do you do that?
The practices of yoga are ultimately intended to help us reach that state of clear perception.
Two simple exercises can help you with these lofty yoga aspirations… (no yoga mat or meditation cushion required)
1) Notice how your mood, memories and expectations shape what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste
2) Notice when you get distracted
Oh…one other thing…
Just notice and observe 1 and 2 without judging them as right or wrong.
Practice the art of awareness:
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