Love Notes
Welcome to the TSY journal. Letters, thoughts and notes on yoga and life in general, yoga philosophy, practice, and even a little ranting here and there. It’s all just grist for the mill, but most of all know that we love you!
It's OK to Be Injured
Do not try to achieve perfect health, bodily perfection (whatever that means) or performative/perfected asana. They don't exist and it will make you feel bad.
Desire & Anger
So much of our lives are now viewed through a lens that is designed for discontent; the more angry it makes us, the more potency it has, the longer the engagement, etc. If we let it, this puts us squarely in the "qualities of passion" (rajas) and robs us of our ability to remain equanimous (sattva); the state we need to be in to make true, meaningful change. Weaponizing our anger compels us to act "against our will" which robs us of our ability to seek true, meaningful connection and discourse.
Common Ground v. Compromise
True conflict resolution is relationship building. It is a compromise. Compromise means we find a balance between my wants and yours; each party accepts loss and gain.
Transitions, Adulting & Parenting
Adulthood means we are able to navigate nuance. We have to accept that some pains can’t be fixed, but that we must stand witness anyway. We hold contradictory information, opposing thoughts and feelings, so that we can protect the young, the weak, the vulnerable. We do it because it is our responsibility and our privilege.
The Tragic Gap
Parker Palmer, a Quaker, writer and teacher, talks about the “Tragic Gap” – a place between “irrelevant idealism” and “corrosive cynicism.” This is a place where we sit and do the hard work of being uncomfortable and working to change. The Tragic Gap means that we don’t spin out into platitudes and generalities about “love and acceptance” without taking stock in what we mean/how we are going to make that happen. It means we don’t give into despair and give up because it feels overwhelming or futile. It means we accept that it is hard and frustrating, and we do it anyway.
Hug Yourself
And so, my friend please do not worry if you are not “doing so well.” We are all trying to make it through in whatever messy way we know how. You do not have to do anything. This is not a vacation. This is trauma. Be gentle and be careful with yourself. If you can, do the things; drink water, meditate, yoga it up, but if watching cat videos and eating cheese is helping you get by, that’s OK too. Hold your expectations lightly, put your feet in the water.
