102. Keen on your commitments?

In recent podcast episodes, we've been delving into the Yoga Sutras, specifically Sutra 1:21. This sutra introduces the concept of "tivra," a Sanskrit word that translates to "keen." The idea of keenness is crucial—not just in a general sense, but in how it applies to life and our commitments. It's worth reflecting on: Are you keen right now? Are you fully engaged in your pursuits?

As we move forward to Sutra 1:22, Patanjali expands on keenness by addressing its different levels. Jeff, our co-host, often cites the Sanskrit terminology here, which translates to Mild, Medium, and Intensely Keen. Patanjali's message is clear: the intensity of our keenness can vary, and it's essential to recognize these distinctions. However, we should be mindful not to let these distinctions become self-criticism.

In today's world, especially with the influence of social media, there's a tendency to glorify the extremes. We often see the intensely keen individuals who push boundaries to the extreme—being celebrated. This can create a skewed perspective, making us feel inadequate if we aren't operating at that intense level. But it's essential to remember that wherever you are on the spectrum of keenness, it's okay. The key is to assess your level of "tivra" without being overly critical.

Jeff often shares a personal example to illustrate this point. His son is into parkour and follows various feeds on Instagram. Some of the practitioners he watches demonstrate extreme levels of keenness in their training, pushing their bodies to extraordinary limits. While these examples are impressive, they serve as a reminder that intensity is relative, and each person's level of commitment is valid in its own right. It's not about comparing ourselves to others, but about accepting and valuing our own level of 'tivra '.

As you listen to this episode, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself two questions: What are you pursuing? And with what level of intensity are you maintaining that focus? The answers might help you better understand where you stand in your own journey of keenness. This self-reflection is a key part of our exploration of 'tivra '.