Yoga and the Art of Letting Go
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The view from my window during breakfast this month. Both ordinary, and extraordinary.
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January as we all know is a time for new beginnings. And according to this NY Times article, it's becoming a favorite month for some. I can see the wisdom in that.
For me, I like to review my goals, dreams and wishes from the prior year, and set forth new ones for the new year. It is a time to evaluate what is working and what can and needs to be let go of.
I was inspired by this quote by the Thai Buddhist Monk, Ajahn Chah:
“Do everything with a mind that lets go . . . If you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace. If you let go completely, you will know complete peace and freedom. Your struggle with the world will have come to an end.”
Being practical, I decided to take baby steps. No need to aspire too greatly, because then it might all come crashing down quickly. Sometime earlier this month, I was listening to the radio -- NPR I believe -- and there was a segment on mindful eating that caught my attention. Essentially, the woman suggested we practice just sitting and eating. Not eating while looking at our phones, computers, TVs, or pick your favorite meal companion. So, I decided to commit to taking my meals just sitting in front of my window. The practice was both simple and at times difficult, as my mind would yearn to multi-task! But persist I did.
Here are three things I observed:
What is in front of me is what is in front of me, and it is enough. We've had a lot of grey overcast days here in NYC in January. And while my mind was yearning for more sunshine, it eventually settled into being OK with things as they are, not as I wish them to be. Very yogic, for sure.
Letting go of my habit of needing to be entertained by other distractions such as TV or my phone led my mind to being quieter. Oh, for sure, there were thoughts going on in my head, but it was easier to see them come and pass. As you may know, quieting the movements of the mind is one of the first goals stated in the Yoga Sutras. Sutra 1.2 reads: yogash chitta vritti nirodhah or "yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind."
Being mindful of my actions led to more beneficial moments of awareness – like when my body was telling me I am full and can stop eating.
On the topic of mindfulness, many years ago I heard an interview Krista Tippett did with Thich Nhat Hanh. Here are some bits of wisdom he shared:
Life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk [or eat, I will add!] in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now.
... when you are mindful, you are fully alive, you are fully present. You can get in touch with the wonders of life, that can nourish you, and heal you.
I can't say that I am an expert in mindfulness or will give myself an "A" in "letting go." But, I can say that I am just a bit better at both as a result of my eating practices this month.
And here are a few personal benefits I've noticed:
I feel noticeably less anxious about how things are going to turn out. If anything, I'm more curious. That aligns with Buddhist philosophy.
It feels easier to be in the present and I’m getting a lot done.
I've lost a few pounds.
