Viveka as a path to change
When the world goes topsy turvy, we often look to our yoga teachers for guidance, for hope and for signs of peace. We don’t pretend to know anything more than you or to have any answers. But, what we do have is the teachings of yoga. These teachings are thousands of years old and reflect the struggles of humanity throughout the ages. Maybe you can find some solace in the practical application of the teachings. After all, this is why we spend time on our mat.
Viveka.
Viveka is a yogic teaching that means discernment. Discernment is going past our perceptions (what we think we know) to form nuanced judgements (what is actually happening, beyond just our own view). Practicing viveka can lead to “clear-seeing” or the ability to see things—the world, yourself, situations as they TRULY are. That clear seeing, and then acting upon what we see, is what leads to growth and transformation.
Trouble is, there is a lot that gets in the way of this clarity. We are often bogged down by the stories we tell ourselves to be true, our egos, our conditioning and upbringing, the way we always do things…the list goes on.
Why is it so hard for us to see things clearly? Well, it’s pretty challenging to look past all we think we know and see what is actually happening. It’s uncomfortable to see the not-so-good things, especially the ones that have been ingrained most of our lives. It often feels easier to get defensive or avoid dealing all together. As humans, we are conditioned to seek comfort rather than doing the difficult work of self-reflection.
That’s partly why the inconvenience of COVID has been so difficult for all of us (actual big challenges aside---death and illness and economic hardships are the real deal). Because when we slow down, we are forced to see what we so desperately try not to deal with. We are so good at being the busiest and numbing our way out of seeing what is truly there. We are now having to look at some of our deepest shadows—the good, the bad, the ugly. And that’s a lot of feels to have to sift through.
At OTY, we are constantly discussing the best ways to speak our truth, teach what we think leads to a more balanced and yogic life AND still be inclusive. We try really hard not to exclude opinions or alienate others if they do not think exactly like us. As yogis, we are taught to “do no harm” (ahimsa). When we feel harm is being done, we know it is time to speak up and encourage doing the tough work. The recent events (both nationally and now locally) of racism are real and heartbreaking. Our country, and now city, is hurting in the biggest of ways. How can we see what is happening around us and work to create change?
We don’t have all the answers here. But as moms of white children who will one day be white adults, we know we won’t ever have to actually fear the same (very real) fears parents of black or brown children face. And if we put ourselves in their shoes for two seconds, the answer is simple. We can do better. We all can. Even if you do not agree with us on the issue as a whole---surely we can take very painful situations like this and DIG DEEP. Even for a moment. To stop, observe the feelings, and notice WHY they might be there. What is the at the root? Centuries of conditioning don’t just appear overnight. Empathy means we have to be willing to look past what we think we know, to attempt to SEE someone else’s experience. To discern that our perceptions are not necessarily everyone else’s reality. To understand that we will never truly understand, but still try to imagine being in someone else’s shoes. And that takes tons of self-reflection and continuous work.
We encourage this “stop and observe” technique with anything that makes us uncomfortable. A tricky yoga pose, an inversion that scares us, talking politics with a family member, discussing tough topics with your kids, admitting we screwed up, the list goes on. It is all uncomfortable for sure!
So. Now what? We can avoid. Ignore. Get defensive. Pretend it’s all good. Business as usual.
OR. We can slow down. Observe. Be uncomfortable. DO hard things. Notice your reaction when you do the hard things. Do a yoga pose that’s challenging for you—and don’t bail when the going gets tough. Call your local and national representatives to voice your concerns when you see injustice. Read books that teach you things you didn’t know before. Have tough conversations. LISTEN. Listen to people that aren’t exactly like you. Have conversations about difficult topics. ACT! VOTE! Please vote. Encourage others that doing hard things and digging deep is pretty cool stuff. And the time is now.
We firmly believe little shifts can equal big change—especially if it is consistent and a collective effort. We can learn to sit with the discomfort of what is truly happening—to us and around us. With that discernment (viveka), then we can begin to show up more mindfully in the world. That’s the hope anyway. We are obviously big advocates for yoga and meditation, but there are plenty of ways to start and continue this investigation. Find ways that work for you! Once we can get very honest and clear, then we might have a shot at the hard work ahead.