Meditations From the Mat

Most of my family and friends know how much I enjoy reading, so I was delighted at Christmas to receive the book "Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga" by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison. There are 365 insightful & inspiring entries to reflect upon as you move through each day of 2011. Today's particular entry, "If you do what you did, you get what you got," really struck a chord because many of us, myself included, have just made New Year's Resolutions that require change and accountability. The quote reminded me that you must be accountable for your actions because there are always consequences, whether negative or positive. The entry goes on to describe how the Yoga Sutras (196 succinct lessons on the nature of humans and how they can reach their full potential) outline two aspects of spiritual practice: abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (non-attachment or renunciation). Renunciation, as the book states, cannot flourish without practice. And even if we do practice, it's not a substitute for renunciation. In other words, there must be an ending to whatever habit or behavior your trying to renounce and a new beginning must occur. You cannot use your yoga practice, or workout or any other feel good mechanism to temporarily stop or delay the habit or behavior, but you can use it to help commit yourself to changing and letting go! So if you have a New Year's Resolution, utilize abhyasa and vairagya to help yourself execute change! I guarantee you will be a happier, healthier YOU in 2011! :)

Good Luck!
-Kaleigh