Karma

Sept 3, 2017

"Karma ( कर्म) refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma

I taught a Karma Yoga class this morning at Balance Yoga in Richmond (balanceyogavt.com). It's a lovely class with rotating teachers that provides students with cheap yoga and the provides food shelf with canned goods. Today we spoke of the meaning of karma (above, thank you wikipedia) and the responsibility of each individual to own their thoughts and actions. My recent focus has been on the intention behind actions, and how that shapes our perspective.

I believe that we are all connected with energy. I believe that my energy will influence yours, and that yours will influence mine. I believe that energy lingers in physical locations, and that it has a powerful influence on thought, emotion, and physical body. In my yoga teacher training we spoke of the need to be aware of our energy and what we bring to class, for what I bring into the room will influence others in the room. Perhaps you have experienced this in a class, a meeting, or another interaction. We may see it as someone being happy and energetic and that 'rubs off' on us, or perhaps they were in a foul, negative mood and left you feeling unsettled.

Have you gotten so bogged down in your thoughts that your world feels small, that you felt alone, or have forgotten that you are a part of something greater than yourself?

I have had days where the last thing that I want to do is teach, because that means holding space for someone else when I am struggling and haven't made space for my own stuff yet. I have had classes where I walk into the studio and can physically feel that someone is hurting or is angry and needs an outlet. I have had classes where I wasn't able to check my ego at the door and left feeling like an awful yoga teacher. And I have had interactions where I couldn't tell a thing that was going on and felt completely ineffective. This also extends beyond my yoga life. We all want to be a good friend, and to have good friends, but where does that start? How do you become a good person, friend, yoga student or teacher?

Turn inwards. Look at your actions, and the intentions behind those actions. Breathe and open yourself to what your physical, emotional, and spiritual body is telling you. What your soul is screaming at you. Everything starts from somewhere within. A hurtful comment comes from a place of hurt, which you tried to fill with anger. A sense of entitlement and inability to apologize come from a place of need, and fear that you are unable to meet your needs. An inability to accept the shortcomings of others comes from an inability to accept your own shortcomings.

Allow yourself to be afraid, to be angry, to feel small and insignificant. Only then, when you acknowledge the buried and intense parts of yourself, can you make space for what is to come. Only when you hold compassion and acceptance of yourself can you hold these things for others.

The light in me recognizes and honors the light in you.

See you on the mat.