The Time, is NOW
The legendary teachings of the Yoga Sutra begin with the statement: "Atha Yoga Anushasanam", which simply translates to: "Now begins the disciplined teachings of Yoga".
Atha signifies the beginning, now, a beginning is taking place and one should pay full attention to it.
Yoga refers to union, balance between body, mind and spirit, seeker and God, the path of disciplined Self-enquiry.
Anushasanam emphasizes the practice of the structured systems of teachings that follow, that have been transmitted from teacher to student over many lifetimes.
It sets the tone for the rest of the text and all that is to come, inviting the seeker to cultivate a disciplined, open and dedicated state of mind, ready to embrace the wisdom of Yoga.
Yoga is not simply a philosophy and random techniques to simply make you feel good, it is an experiential science. The philosophy shows us that life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, and it can help us cultivate right understanding of life, understanding of body-mind-breath and consciousness, what to expect of ourselves and of others and thus how to handle life with less disappointment.
The essence of, real benefits and transformative power of the practice must come first from commitment and then patient engagement, over time, without attaching to the outcomes.
I guess the reason I wanted to start this newsletter with this today is because it highlights the importance of time (NOW - the present moment) and not wasting it, and how with many things, we can be half in half out, not really putting in true effort. There is no time like the present they say and this goes for spending time with your loved ones, starting an exercise routine, enrolling for that course you keep putting off, or that hobby you wish you started 5 years ago. Our time on this earth is not guaranteed, things can change in an instant, and every delay leads to eventual disappointment or regret. My dear friend Brenda (miss B as we all called her), pictured above, lived her life to the full, even with Cancer and through all the years of treatment, the ups and downs, she was a light unto us all, encapsulating what it means to really live for today.
It's been 3 years without miss B and I (we) miss her everyday. I'm sure there is someone in your life that comes to mind that you miss and wish you could hug just one more time. Perhaps thinking of them as your inspiration and reason to do those things you keep saying you'll do next week, those very things that will make the small changes, which eventually lead to significant changes over the years. No matter how grand your goals, they begin with a small initial action.
The future you want to manifest, is created by the habits and things you do today. As the saying goes:
"The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a small step" Lao Tzu
I'll close this letter today with a simple question: What are you waiting for?
Peace and Om
Kirst xxx
If you are needing some help, guidance and support finding your way to a healthier life, I have space to take on 1 online coaching client before the end of the year. 12 Sessions, an analysis, some goals, a plan, and the guidance to get you started. 750$. Send me an email.
