In a few weeks I’ll launch the second book in my series, A Killer Retreat. Of course, the main plot revolves around solving a murder, but my yoga teacher/sleuth Kate is also faced with a choice: should she put the brakes on her relationship with her boyfriend Michael and risk losing him forever, or should she marry him and risk losing herself? Of course, there are many other options, but those are the only two Kate can see, at least at first.
And it terrifies her.
So instead of making the decision, she does what any moderately neurotic person would do when faced with multiple, irreconcilable options: she avoids all of them.
As you might guess, the strategy doesn’t work very well, at least not for long. In Kate’s own words, “Ignorance is bliss. Until it isn’t.”
Kate’s dilemma isn’t unique. I know from experience that running away from change only works for awhile, and it’s a short while at that. No matter how fast I run, no matter how far I go, my problems go with me. But what if the actual choices we make in life are immaterial? According to The Yoga Sutras, they may be.
The Yoga Sutras promise that although there are many potential paths in life and at least a gazillion things over which we have no control, everything we experience--good and bad--is fodder for our growth. If that's true, then every path we take serves us in some way.
So we can take comfort in knowing that there are no absolutes, only opportunities for our development. If you travel your pathway with mindfulness, focus, kindness and compassion, the destination will always be your true self.
The meditation below may help you find santosha—contentment—in the midst of change.
Many Paths, One Destination Meditation
- Close your eyes and bring attention to your breath. Focus your mind on the soft, subtle sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils.
- When you are ready, imagine yourself standing at the intersection of several paths, each of which represents a different choice. There is no right choice; no wrong one, either. Only different roads to the same destination. Even though you can’t see it, contentment lies at the end of every path.
- In your mind’s eye, stand at this intersection with your feet planted solidly on the earth. Imagine how you will feel when you unite with contentment at the end of your journey. What will contentment look like? Feel like? Smell like? Sound like? Taste like? Involve all of your senses as vibrantly as possible.
- For the next several minutes, mentally and physically practice contentment, so that when you begin walking your chosen path, contentment will accompany you.
- Continue this meditation for several minutes or however long feels perfect.
Namaste
Tracy Weber
Check out Tracy Weber’s author page for information about the Downward Dog Mysteries series. A KILLER RETREAT is available for preorder now. MURDER STRIKES A POSE is available at book sellers everywhere!
2 comments:
It's definitely hard sometimes to choose one path, Tracy, then worry what life would have been like had you chosen another. Your description of The Yoga Sutras and growth no matter which you choose is definitely appealing.
Thanks, Linda. The sutras offer so much wisdom.
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