We dove into some hard hitting stuff yesterday: considering this idea of "non-attachment." And, I still plan to provide a more clear understanding of Patanjali, the 8 limbs and what a Yama is [hey mom, I'm singing "I am, I am"- are you?].
But, this idea of non-attachment, non-materialism, non-greed may seem like an abstract way to approach life, as opposed to a simple mental state we can all appreciate. Krishna teaches us in the Bhagavad Gita, "we should never concern ourselves with the outcome of a situation, we should only concern ourselves with what we’re actually doing right now as we work towards that outcome"(1). For example, your focus may be on what your body will look like after 30 days of exercise, as opposed to how you are feeling during and because of exercise. Or your focus is on the promotion you'll get once you nail this project, but not the work of the project itself. Perhaps you are obsessed with the view from the top of the mountain, but forgot to wonder at the beauty all around on the climb up.
Do your things, and do them well - without concern for what may come to be.
Not to worry, we are all guilty of slipping into the trance of the future. Eyes locked in on the next steps. Or just distracting ourselves from the present. For myself, simple tasks like going to the bathroom, washing my face, doing dishes, cooking meals are often clouded with podcasts, thoughts of tomorrow or candy crush (lol - I know I can't believe it either). But, each day, we have an abundance of opportunity to be more present. To smell the garlic as it oozes from beneath your knife, to wash away the day from your cheeks and notice new freckles, and to think of your next blog post in the shower.
As I continue on this writing journey/challenge/path/other-cliche-phrase, I want to foster my connection with yoga and perhaps encourage you to think of yoga differently than you may have before. Yoga is the opportunity to present yourself to the moment. Push away the idea of what success looks like in a pose; success is being here with yourself, showing up for yourself. It's not holding something "stronger" or "longer" or "looking better", it's not neglecting the props because you're sooOoo flexible you don't need them, and it's not abs and contortion.
Practice yoga not just for exercise but to become your own teacher, to learn about your body, to feel new muscles awaken as space clears in your head. I loved this idea set forth by Gaby to practice non-attachment: Start simple. Pay attention to your breath. Let the simple act of inhaling and exhaling teach you about the fullness of breathing in life without the need to hold on to it (2).
With Gratitude,
Kaylee
Follow along at @upsidedown_physio on instagram and @DPT_Klee on twitter.
Kaylee, PT, DPT
Kaylee is a Doctor of Physical Therapy based in the Bay Area of California. She received her degree in 2020 from The University of Miami and is currently practicing in Sub-Acute Rehab. Kaylee is passionate about all things yoga, neuro-rehab, and limb loss and limb difference rehabilitation demonstrated through practice, student education and advocacy.Sources: