Absence of reality also arises from deep sleep without thought, dreams, or other movements of the mind. (1:10)
Memory is a previous experience that hasn't been forgotten. (1:11) The absence of awareness, thoughts, dreams, and movements of the mind are what we find in deep sleep. This is a necessity for all. It restores us and supports a steady mind. During deep sleep, the mind is blank. This is our natural, steady mind. Because we are sleeping deeply, we don't remember the steadiness of our mind, however, because we know this occurs during deep sleep, we know that the mind is capable of this steady state. Our memories grow as each day goes by. They grow into our future thoughts and actions. Our memories shape our tomorrows. They can inspire us to be loving, kind, and thoughtful, or when a layer of judgement is added to the memory, it can trigger unkind, hurtful thoughts and actions. Striving towards a steady mind while we are awake, and being aware of how our memories shape our future can bring a sense of peace inside of us. When we begin to realize the impact our mind has on every detail of our life, and how we are able to let go of attachments that hold us back, we can begin to reach for this steady, peaceful state of being. Reflection and Journal Activity 1) Each day, after you wake, spend a few moments writing whatever is in your mind. It can be a list, pictures, ideas, etc. Notice any patterns. 2) Describe 3 of your clearest memories. How would you describe them? How has each shaped you? 3) Read through all of your journal entries so far. Do you see any recurring words, feelings, thoughts, etc? Are any of these limiting you or holding you back? Which support, encourage, or inspire you?
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False knowledge comes from misperception. (1:8)
Misperception is conceptualizing or imagining some thing without any substance or reality as the basis. (1:9) Misperception occurs when we are looking through a clouded lens. This lens can be clouded with misinformation and/or assumptions. This is the opposite of right knowledge. When our perception and our reality don't match, we find hurt and disappointment. For example, a friend cancels plans with you. You wonder what happened and why she is mad at you. (She is overloaded, burned out, and has been putting in long hours at work with little relief.) Your boss is distant and carries a look of concern, yet doesn't say much. You wonder if the company is in trouble, if you are going to be losing your job. (Your boss has an ill family member and it is weighing heavily on his/her.) Your partner quickly closes their phone/computer when you enter the room. You feel angry, wondering what your partner was doing, thinking the worst. (Your partner is planning a surprise for you or shopping for a special gift for you.) When we are able to clear away misperception, we can avoid unnecessary hurt and disappointment. We can avoid suffering. We can move forward in a positive, healthy, and hopeful way. Another lens of misperception is when we visualize or imagine something without any reality to back it up. Daydreaming and imagining situations is a great creative release. They can even inspire us to work toward goals. However, when our imagination distracts us, it can set us up for disappointment and suffering. This filter we use can be very harmful. For example, when we are heading home to visit family, we often will envision the perfect family holiday or weekend. Normal Rockwell like, picturesque. When we arrive, toddlers are running or crying, food is burning in the over, the heater breaks down, someones car runs out of gas, the favorite dessert was unavailable, etc...... Our filter in our mind created an impossible image that would never be acquired. When reality hit, we suffer and become disappointed, angry, and frustrated. If we keep this filter clear, and let go of imagining the picture perfect weekend; if we accept that seeing our family is most important and the rest will not make or break the weekend, we will find joy, peace, and hope amidst the chaos. We will appreciate the moments instead of being disappointed by the weekend. Reflection and Journal Activity 1) Finish this sentence: I wish other knew ...... (this about me). 2) Think about the last week. Make a list of any time you found yourself daydreaming, visualizing, or forecasting. Record these images in your journal. Now, look at your list. Which of these keep you open to possibilities? Which of these stifle you? Can you see the opposite perspective in each one? (For example: "Some day, I want to live in France." This could encourage you to take language lesson and learn about French culture. OR, this could make you frustrated and depressed if you can only focus on the fact that you do not live in France. Week 2 - Journey through JournalingThere are five changing states of the mind and they are either detrimental or not. (1:5)
They are correct knowledge, misperception, imagination, sleep, and memory. (1:6) The source of right knowledge is built on clear sense perception, logic, and verbal communication. (1:7) Everything inside our body is made up of two facets - our potential and how that potential is expressed. Every one of us has unlimited potential, but each of us has a unique way of expressing this. Take electricity for example. We may all have electricity running through us, but we may express it differently. One of us may be a lamp, while someone else may be a computer. We have the same electricity, just expressed differently. Often, what hinders us is in reaching our full potential is how we see things, our lenses, or perspective. The filters in our mind change and alter our reality. Even when the filters enhance the mind or the mood, they obscure the truth in that moment. Often, we are so used to seeing things through our minds filters, that when we remove a filter, we don't quite believe what we see. Noticing our filters is the first part of our practice. As we identify our filters, we can recognize reactions, where they stem from, and how they are holding us back. When we see things through a clear lens and accurately perceive the situation, we have correct or right knowledge. There are three ways to reach right knowledge: sense perception, logic, and verbal communication. When we think of a situation such as a rain storm, it seems simple to use these three tools. We see the rain, we feel the wetness on our skin, and we use logic when we look out the window and see the pavement wet. However, when we apply this to all situations in our life, it is not so cut and dry because we are used to seeing other situations through different lenses. Reflection and Journal Activity 1) Go back to your list from last week. Circle all the descriptors that are unchanging or unchangeable. How do you feel about these? For example, I am the youngest in my family and it makes be feel sad that no one takes me seriously. Now, go back and highlight any positive descriptors in one color and negative descriptors in another color. Are there things you would like to change that are changeable? 2) Choose someone you trust and who knows you well. Ask them to set a timer for 5 minutes and write as many words as they can think of to describe you. What surprises you? What makes you feel good? Are there any you don't agree with? Now, compare your list and their list and note all the descriptors you have in common. What do you notice? Share your reflections in the comments if you would like to, or feel free to send me a private message. Thanks for participating and learning more about yourself through this journey! -Namaste, Erin Join me in learning more about yourself, how you relate to the world around you, and how the principles of yoga can help you find balance, meaning, and peace. I will be using the book, Living the Sutras by Kelly Dinardo and Amy Pearce-Hayden, as well as resources from my personal training courses and study. You do not need to purchase the book to participate in this journey, however, you are welcome to if you want to dig a little deeper.
You will need a journal. This could be as simple as a notebook. Also, get yourself some fun, colorful pens. Commit to participating in this journal journey each week. I will post new prompts each weekend. You are welcome to share your thoughts right here, on this blog, as well as in your personal journal. I am looking forward to this journey with you. Thank you for joining me! Week 1 "Yoga is the mastery of the mind's fluctuations." (1:2) "When the mind is steady and calm, we know our true nature." (1:3) Our true self is who we are beyond all of the roles we fulfill, all of the hats we wear, and all of the labels we have. Our true nature is express by our core beliefs, values, and passions. When we know and express our true self, we experience peace and clarity. The Yoga Sutras begin by defining yoga as mastery over the multitude of thoughts and fluctuations of the mind. When our thoughts are jumping from one place to another, we don't have peace. Our words and actions follow our mind. We are scattered. When we quiet the mind, we can be truly attentive to our lives, connect with who we really are, find our purpose, and feel peace. Journal Activity Set a timer for 5 minutes and list as many words as you can think of that define you and describe you. Feel free to share thoughts below, message me directly, or ask any questions. -Namaste, Erin |
Erin CuomoWife, Mom, Teacher, Yoga Instructor, Christian Archives
July 2020
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