Twisted

Namaste Twisted Yogis!

Mom used to say (and sometimes still does), "Now straighten up, girl!" After years of yoga practice, I finally understand the importance of not straightening up (which essentially requires that I approach the world in a fixed way when the world doesn't approach me in a fixed way!). It just so happens that I like my twisted ways!

As rebellious as this may sound, I'm really no baddie. That's because a flexible spine is a flexible mind. Getting twisted regularly helps our minds to adjust to and grow from challenging and awkward situations. Have you ever observed someone in an uncomfortable situation nearly crumble inside from the pressure? The mind likes predictability, and it carefully constructs a world that maximizes pleasure, minimizes pain, and invites few surprises. When something unexpected enters the scene of such a controlled reality, the mind may struggle to adjust and respond well, thus making for a more difficult experience. Now, think of someone who always seems to adjust to the changing scenes of life with grace, authenticity, and little stress. Who would you rather emulate?

The yogis teach that as we are in our bodies, so are we in our minds. The goal of yoga is to find unshakable happiness. No matter what experience enters your world, a conditioned nervous system and polished mind responds with steadiness, never losing your source of joy. The more often we twist and tune our spines, the more adaptable we become both physically and psychologically. Twists also massage the spine and internal organs, helping us to relax with reality as it is. Eventually, we discover that situations don't make us who we are; we are made who we are by our responses to our situations.

If you want to gain the skills to respond to your unique circumstances with more skill, authenticity, and ease, then I suggest getting a little twisted with me this week.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
ॐ शांति, शांति, शांति