036. New dawn, new day, new life for me …

Nina Simone once sang, 'It's a new dawn, a new day, a new life for me...' This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the essence of staying present and embracing each new moment. In the practice of yoga, this focus on the present is not just important, it's everything. It's about taking the next step forward, remaining grounded in the here and now, rather than getting lost in the past or future. This mindfulness brings a sense of calm and centeredness to our lives.

Yoga is fundamentally about gaining control over the "mind stuff" or the fluctuations of the mind. Patanjali's teachings align with those of S.N. Goenka, a prominent Vipassana meditation teacher, who emphasized the importance of accepting "what is, not what we would like to be." This acceptance is crucial in yoga, as it encourages us to move beyond the distractions and disturbances created by our thoughts and emotions.

Exploring Patanjali's Yoga Sutras reminds us that the goal is to transcend the "mind stuff." Among the mental fluctuations discussed by Patanjali, the concept of "smriti," or memory, stands out. Memory, as a fluctuating mind, can have positive and negative effects. It can anchor us in past experiences or provide valuable lessons for the present.

Jeff, like many of us, is eager to move beyond the discussion of the vrittis, or mental fluctuations, that Patanjali outlines. He looks forward to delving into the practical solutions that yoga offers to manage these fluctuations. By addressing these mental disturbances, we can find a tangible path to greater clarity and inner peace, making the principles of yoga more relatable and applicable in our daily lives.