~ Post by Laura
With the longer nights and Solstice approaching, it naturally invites more quiet, contemplation, internal time for me. During these winter months where the plants and animals rest, hibernate, conserve energy, and go underground, my system craves the same. Some feel the increased darkness in our external world during this season creates the impetus to find our inner Light. I can subscribe to that.
At different periods of my life this season also included some depression of sorts… perhaps a natural cycle in the human mind. Kristin relayed to us in the last workshop that Ācārya noted all humans, in a way, are a little depressed. I imagine there is a benefit to this emotional state, like rekindling a fire to find wholeness; a built in mechanism to reconnect to Self and reestablish the thoughts/actions that support the wellbeing of Self.
During this quiet season, I often reread notes, review past lectures or carve out some silence days. This year I have been circling back to the beginning of the JY Program, reviewing the Yoga Sutra lessons; such depth and breadth! It’s fascinating to listen and feel the words land differently 4 years later. The layering is quite magical, mysterious. It is like listening with fresh new ears, mind, and heart; a testament to our ever changing state of receptivity. I came to a passage that inspired this blog post because it landed with such peace and inspiration in my heart.
Yoga Sutra 1.14
Ācārya speaks eloquently about practice. He states how our practice should be approached with dedication, devotion and love. I encourage everyone to take a few moments this season to listen to this passage. Listen to how he says LOVE… it’s balm for any depression in the system and will inspire actions toward the Truth.
YS 1.6 1.7-14 – at time 48.20 through the end
With Full Heart and Gratitude for these Teachings~
laura roll