Sutra 2.15 – To one of discrimination, everything is painful indeed, due
to its consequences: the anxiety and fear over losing what is gained;
the resulting impressions left in the mind to create renewed cravings;
and the constant conflict among the three gunas, which control the mind.The New Year is a time for new beginnings, an opportunity to dig deep inside ourselves and decide what it is we really want to accomplish this year, or in the years to come. A good time to set short- and long-term goals—changes we want to make or stepping stones we’d like to get in place that will ultimately lead us further down the spiritual path. It’s a time to shake off the messy past (once we’ve gleaned our numerous lessons, of course!) and get to work on the things that are really important to us, making this the best year yet. Isn’t this what we tell ourselves every year?
I find that with every New Year I start off strong, ready to tackle my many intentions, especially after a long and busy holiday season inevitably sidetracks me. The goals are intended to make me happy, to fulfill my dharma so I might feel sustained and satisfied in life. I write out my intentions—the big overarching ones that will hopefully carry me toward my life’s purpose, which then breaks down to quarterly, monthly, and finally weekly objectives. I make lists in my planner, using the upfront monthly snapshots to note the month’s goals in the right hand column, and check them off as they’re accomplished. It’s a good feeling because I’m certain I’m on track, well on my way to completing the things I need to do.
And while it’s a fail-proof system that tracks and ensures I’m reaching my objectives, the weekly planner where I write my daily goals, starts to become more of a chore list. It fills up with unplanned events and outings, errands and duties that are necessary for daily living, but do not necessarily have anything to do with the goals I’ve set forth to help me fulfill my life’s purpose. And sometimes the daily to-do lists can become obstacles on my journey, making me feel edgy and unfocused, like I’m looking outside myself for fulfillment when I’ve become too busy to look within myself for inner peace and serenity.
One thing yoga has taught me is that I cannot run from the results I’ve created, that wherever I go, whatever I create, it will follow me. It’s taught me how to stop and breathe and understand myself and the world a little better, so when I start to feel that edge, that lack of focus, I can regroup and reset. In The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda, we are taught that anything coming from outside of ourselves cannot offer everlasting happiness, but only pain; however, “pleasure and pain are but the outcome of our approach.” We learn “it’s all right to have anything, as long as you don’t let these things bring you anxiety and fear.”
We all want to be happy. We all need a fresh start, and the timing couldn’t be better. Join me for a discussion at Focus Yoga on Monday, January 21, 6-7pm, on how our approach to achieving or obtaining anything can determine a pleasurable or painful experience.
Editor's Note: We have it on good authority that Anne's following class, Open Yoga, will be a mindful candlelight vinyasa flow focusing on finding the happiness within. What a wonderful way to bring it all together! Register for Tea Talk here...you do not need to register for the Open Yoga class.
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