Knowing/ The Next Step Will Beckon You

When I teach, I’m learning. I’m working it out myself. It is my absolute wish and practice that the words that come out are born of the moment.

This week, while talking about Metta/ Loving Kindness and radical forgiveness during community meditation at Heart Fire, I suggested to my students that they linger in Loving Kindness for themselves and for their loved ones for as long as they like (weeks, months, years even) before moving on to Loving Kindness for those they feel indifferent about and those they struggle to love. The next step will beckon when it is time.

There is no need to rush. Just practice without attachment. That is all.

When we try to force beliefs or practices on others, we are generally met with resistance and resentment. I find that in my own practice, when I try to force something before its time, the effort is similarly futile. It doesn’t necessarily look like resistance or resentment (though it can), rather I become attached to an outcome. This applies to meditation just as easily as asana.

I remember many many years ago when I was determined to find my way into astavakrasana without laying the proper groundwork of hip-opening, hamstring-untangling and inner thigh strengthening. That was frustrating! And the more I couldn’t do it, the more I wanted to. Now, I work (and teach) in such tiny increments that poses unfold in their own way and I am less worried about it.

Honestly, working in micro-movements is challenging. It is counter-cultural. It is subversive. It is healing. It nurtures a connection to abiding peace.

But what about innovation? What about getting ‘er done? What about paying the bills? Yes. We are in the world and we must fulfill our obligations to the world by innovating, by doing, by paying and what-not. Honestly, I think that by relaxing more, I get more quality work done. I might be moving less, but the movement is worthwhile. I did a lot of wheel-spinning for many years, moving without stillness. That didn’t feel good. Moving from stillness feels good. If you come to a point where you think you are so relaxed you can’t fulfill obligations, let’s talk.

Tell me about the increments you are working in right now. What is the next step that beckons?

Jai! LOVE. Kelly

{Related posts: Metta Prayer, Videos on Loving-Kindness Meditation, Headstand video}