If not this, maybe that? by gabe hopp
I spend a fair amount of time studying, teaching and contemplating the teachings of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This text was written down about 3000 years ago and is a set of aphorisms, called sutras. Each sutra is like a little nugget of wisdom to help guide you on your practice. Despite being written for a very particular group of students (young renunciate men in monastic communities) these teachings are still relevant to the modern yoga practitioner today. It blows my mind, actually, how applicable they are to this day.
The Yoga Sutras text is organized into 4 chapters, but we spend most of our time studying chapters 1 & 2 as they are the most relevant. They teach us how to practice. The teachings are grouped together according to different subjects within each chapter. Chapter one is focused on how to achieve a mind that is clear and tranquil.
One of my favorite groupings from chapter 1 focuses on the obstacles to practice. These are called the antarayas. These obstacles recognize that it’s challenging for us to stay consistently committed. The antarayas are common for practitioners and can happen to anyone. But instead of laboring on their effects and why they happen, Patanjali instead says — they happen to all of us and here is what you can do about them — after which he outlines eight different ways to stay committed to your practice.
Should you, yourself, need another approach to stay on the path, you can try one of these eight options:
Pick a spiritual truth to focus on
an example of this would be the mantra OM or a positive intention.
Recognize and celebrate the humanity of others
this sutra says that we should be happy for those who are happy and compassion toward those who suffer.
Feel your breath flowing in and out
we do this all the time in class! You are a pro already.
Feel into the subtle sensations present in your body
better known as prana, there is so much energy moving through us in many different ways, providing endless things to feel
Experience your inner joy, free from sorrow
think about things that give you great joy — your aliveness, people, nature — and enjoy the feelings that arise.
Contemplate things to which you have no attachment
attachment arises from cravings and anxiety — what can you think of that is free from these challenging states?
Take a nap (my fave) and focus on getting deep restful sleep regularly
the power of rest and relaxation was well-known to the ancients. Way ahead of their time.
Meditate on the desires of your heart and pick something that works for you
basically, anything goes as long as it works for you!
My favorite thing about this whole scenario is that Patanjali recognizes that everyone needs a different approach. Yoga is not one-size-fits-all and we have the capacity to work our way through practices until we find what works best for us.