Yoga Thoughts

As some of you know I am in Yoga training this weekend and we have been discussing Philosophy. I thought I would share some of the information we have been covering.

One of the attitudes that Yoga practioners are encouraged to develop is that of compassion for those who are suffering. Whether you practice Yoga or not, we could all develop more compassion for others.

Sometimes we distance ourselves and see these suffering people as invisible. We protect ourselves by "shutting down" our feelings when we realize the magnitude of the suffering in the world. I know I have purposely not made eye contact with a beggar at a stoplight. I have turned the channel when a starving child flickers on the television screen.

So, how can we develop more compassion without being crushed by the suffering? We can start with what we know. Where have you suffered in your life? Your greatest suffering can be turned into your greatest gift for developing compassion toward others. When we feel the impulse to judge someone or become disgusted by their behavior, we can stop and ask, "I wonder what his/her life has been like to lead them to make this choice?"

When we start to realize that everyone has a story, and that we all have suffering and joy in our lives. These sufferings and joys just exist at different levels and times. When we can begin to realize that, "but for the grace of God, go I", we can begin to develop more compassion and understanding and less judgement.

At this season let's develop our "muscle" of compassion and EAT INTENTIONALLY!