Autumn is finally here! One of the things I look forward to the most in the fall is the spectacular change in the foliage. I love seeing the array of reds, oranges, yellows and browns all meshing together, creating a display of how differences can be a part of the collective beauty, and also showing what it looks like to gracefully adapt to change. With that being said, the changing of the leaves isnāt the only thing upcoming. We are in the midst of election season and also continuing to figure out the best way to reopen schools and businesses safely. These are cardinal decisions that impact all of us. With respect to varying opinions and beliefs, Iāve been considering what the yoga teachings can tell us about turbulent times.
While on a walk with my dog recently I stopped to look at the trees surrounding us. I wanted to see if the leaves had begun to change yet, but I noticed something else instead. Some trees had trunks that went straight up toward the sun with no deviations, nothing stopping them from their planned trajectory. Some had several thick branches that seemed to jut out wildly here and there. There were trees that had small trunks and ones with thick trunks. Others were gently curved or even bent horizontally in one spot, but they ultimately continued to move upward. Each tree was unique in the path it took toward the sun. Examining their various shapes, I had a thought: the trees are showing us how to be true to our path and resilient when met with resistance. We are the trees, all making our way to the light and striving to be the fullest, most beautiful expression of our self. There is so much to learn from nature, especially the trees, so our sanskrit word for October is Vrkį¹£asana or tree pose!
A few days after my epiphany about the trees, I attended Yoga Mix with Courtney. It was a windy Saturday on the boardwalk and when we came into tree pose she reminded us of the reason trees need wind. It makes them stronger. When the wind hits the trees, they sway back and forth. With a strong enough wind, the tree could uproot and topple, so the tree adapts to its environment by growing a deeper root system and thicker, stronger bark. āI bend so I donāt break.ā Youāve probably seen this adage on yoga apparel with the silhouette of a person in tree pose. In this image, the yogi, like the tree itself is steadfast and grounded, but also flexible. It is the picture of resilience.
The wind that is brushing up against you might be your neighbors differing political beliefs, or your friendās desire to send her children back to school while you believe itās better to keep kids at home. Yes, these are precarious times. But isnāt it always, in one way or another? We never know whatās just around the corner and yet itās our hope, love, and belief in a better tomorrow that motivates us to action. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna urged Arjuna to take action even when he was afraid. The Gita defines yoga as skill in action. The practices we do – asana, pranayama, meditation – are all giving us the skills we need to navigate this life wisely and each of us has a different path to take.
Oftentimes the things that challenge our core and try to unearth our root system are the very things we need to experience to push us to grow, to rise to the occasion and become our most powerful, skillful self. Practicing yoga helps us do our best to move forward, toward the light. Though some of us may have different ideas about what moving forward looks like, the fact is we all want some semblance of peace, safety, and comfort, however we define it for ourselves. When you practice vrkį¹£asana this month embody your resilience and strength. Remember that each of us has our own path to take. We can be like the trees striving toward the light no matter what, and showing our true, brilliant colors in the process.
With loving kindness,
Mercedes