Below I have taken to task some common beliefs around spiritual practice. I’m sure there is a swami or two turning over in his grave at some of the following disputes, but I believe a spiritual practice must be alive, evolutionary and personal and it’s from this place that I share!
Myth 1: I’m ‘doing’ Yoga!
Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not something you can ‘do’. It is a state of ‘being’. If you are walking your dog or washing your dishes with mindfulness and are truly present to the moment, you are practicing yoga. If you are having a conversation and are really listening to that person, while at the same time being aware of your own breath and body, you are practicing yoga. A yoga mat and studio simply provides you the opportunity to practice the art and skill of ‘being present’. Which leads to my next myth in question...
Myth 2: You have to be flexible to practice yoga!
Do you want to know how much flexibility has to do with yoga? NOTHING. Did you hear that? I know you don’t believe me, but the sooner you can realize this on a cellular-and not just intellectual-level, the sooner your practice will feel truly free and joyful. Flexibility is a by-product of regular practice, but is not the goal itself. Case in point: One student is a dancer and naturally flexible and can lay her body on her legs in a forward fold. She then proceeds to pick her toenail polish and look around the room. Another student is in a wheelchair and is gently reaching the crown of her head up towards the sky, aware of any tension in her body and breathing slow, mindful breaths. Who is the more advanced yogi? The woman in the wheelchair.
Myth 3: In order to meditate, you must empty the mind!
Quieting the mind completely is virtually impossible. If your mind were empty, you would be dead. Thinking is part of the human experience, and in fact, a new thought arises on average every six seconds! Do not fight the tendency to think. Rather, resist the tendency to be drawn into the drama and stories that your mind creates. Don’t identify with them as being ‘you’. The practice of meditation can create space between you and your thoughts, enabling you to be less reactive and free from the trappings of cravings and aversions.
Myth 4: The ego is evil!
Your poor ego. Always taking a lashing. Let me share with you some wisdom my mom bestowed on me: Your ego is like a small child who actually has your best interests at heart and wants to protect you. It just doesn’t always realize that you are ok without it.
In a competitive, fast-paced and sometimes very mean world, your ego
is just trying to help you keep up.
Myth 5: ‘Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind’
This is a verse from the yoga sutras and yes folks, I am attempting to rewrite this ancient text. From what I’ve learned and experienced, your mind will never stop fluctuating - that’s what a mind is designed to do! Through the practice of yoga you may experience longer periods of peace and spaciousness within, but your thoughts will not disappear. What can lessen is your attachment to - and identification with - the fluctuations of the mind. So, rather than being a slave to the drama of your thoughts, you are able to recognize them as meaningless noise and connect with your true self- the part of you that is unchanging and un-phased. From this place, you are able to witness the fluctuations of the mind with detached, amused compassion.
Myth 6: ‘Everything is perfect just as it is’: I would hear this in a yoga class and wonder, what exactly does that mean? Maintaining my zen-like facial expression, I would be screaming on the inside ‘Everything is NOT perfect! Nothing on my ‘vision board’ has manifested! I hate my thighs! My credit card is maxed! What are you talking about, ‘everything is perfect’??’. Now, I think I have a better understanding of this definition of ‘perfection’. ‘Perfection’ doesn’t mean everything is just as you want it to be but rather, wherever you are in your life, without exception, is exactly where you need to be to learn the lessons you need to learn. Your are also in a perfect position to receive the gifts and blessings that are being offered to you, if you choose to open your eyes and see them. This means this moment is absolutely perfect for facilitating your growth. I now take great comfort in knowing that at all times; I am right where I am supposed to be!
Myth 7: ‘Do it NOW’. Boy, what a pressure filled command!
We see that phrase everywhere and it forms the backbone of many spiritual and self-help programs. Motivating yourself to act now is a wonderful thing, but problems arise when you don’t follow through on your intentions and end up judging yourself harshly for not manifesting ‘greatness’. This perpetuates a cycle of feeling badly about yourself and therefore undeserving of wonderful things. When I used to get really upset with myself for not following through on something, my mom would say: ‘It’s ok, honey! There is no rush. There is no finish line. You have all the time in the world! If not in this lifetime, the next one!’. I love this philosophy! And the paradox is, when you take the pressure off, you actually accomplish more.
Myth 8: ‘To hear answers to your questions, become silent and look inwards’.
Or, ‘Don’t act until you have clarity’. I spent what felt like years frozen in indecisiveness, while I tried to meditate, read and reflect my way to answers to the big questions I had about my life. I have my dad to thank for helping me break free from chronic navel-gazing. He is a man of action and a strong believer that answers come through acting, not pondering. I have found that moving forward even while confused or uncertain has been the best way for me to find clarity in my own life.
Katie McClelland, Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga
(905)540-3569 • 430 York Blvd • Katiesolyoga@gmail.com
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