There is so much news and information bombarding us on a daily basis. We’re constantly receiving input from the TV, the radio, our social media, podcasts, and emails. This constant intake of outside information can negatively affect our mental and spiritual well-being. If you’ve found yourself experiencing the adverse effects of information overload, I want to invite you to a practice you’ve probably heard me discuss in class before: pratipaksha bhavana. This is the practice of consciously cultivating the opposite feeling of the one you are experiencing in the moment. If you have been stressed or feeling negative emotions, see it as an opportunity to cultivate a feeling of peace instead. The Sanskrit word for November is “shanti” – peace.
You may have heard the word “shanti” chanted at the beginning or end of a yoga practice. The purpose of repeating this word is to invoke the essence of peace within you. With all that is continuing to unfold in our world right now, we need shanti more than ever. In Contemplative Practice recently, we discussed how life, and yoga practice is not always “love and light” as we often hear or would like things to be. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t access our inner peace. In fact, it’s all the more necessary to maintain our connection with our true, peaceful nature.
Your yoga practice can gently guide you inward, to the unchanging, abiding tranquility within. Oftentimes we experience peace as a result of our physical practice. But, there are other parts of the practice that can lead you to an experience of shanti. As mentioned earlier, chanting aloud or silently to yourself can help you access this feeling. You can do this while moving through your poses or while seated in meditation. The more often you practice cultivating peace on your mat, the easier it will be to access that peace in your daily life. Anytime you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed try consciously slowing down your breath and repeating the word shanti as you breathe deeply in and out. This lengthening of the breath will soothe your nervous system and guide your awareness inward, where a sense of calm is ever-present. The awareness of inner space leads us to the next tool for tranquility, minimizing the outside noise.
Living here in southern Maryland, we’re lucky to have access to serene naturescapes at every turn. Whether I’m sitting outside reading a book or taking my dog for a walk, the thing that continues to nurture me on a deep level is the silence that is so obviously present when I’m out in nature. There’s a peacefulness in the air, and a sense of inner knowing that all will be okay. As a yogi, I know that my experience of the outer world is a reflection of my inner world. In the moments that I experience the stillness and peace of nature, I am connected to the peace within me. Before it gets too cold, make a point this month to get outside a bit more. Unplug and spend some quiet time in nature. You’ll notice how soothing it can be to simply be outside, breathing fresh air and opening to the beauty, wisdom, and quietude of nature. Whether you’re on your mat practicing with us, or you’re out in the world, I hope you feel you have a few tools to help you maintain your inner peace in the coming months. The reality is that silence is the backdrop of any and all of the spaces we occupy. You just have to be present enough to hear it. When you do, be still, and let it remind you of the peace that is always available, deep in your heart.
Om shanti, shanti, shanti
With loving kindness,
Mercedes