The five branches of Yoga seek to decrease the control of the Ego so that we can connect with something greater than ourselves and be guided by a virtuous intention.

Those drawn to Karma Yoga seek this softening of the ego by focusing on their actions, their duties in life, with a sense of mindfulness and non-attachment. Tantra Yogis apply discipline and care toward their physical and energetic beings, going beyond pleasure toward the higher goal of sustained health and vitality. Jnana Yogis seek wisdom and knowledge that lends a higher perspective to any situation, including states of "not knowing" or accepting mystery. Raja Yogis seek to understand and quiet thoughts, inviting in a greater knowledge of the limited nature of the mind and the possibility for an experience beyond reason, space and time.

If you Google the benefits of Meditation you will find a lot of information that, in sum, describe a daily meditation practice as a way to stay healthy, avoid multiple diseases, become happier and improve your performance in any task. Sounds pretty good, so why don't more of us do it? 

Because we think it's hard, and no fun--not the best motivator for most people.



A student just recently shared an "aha" moment with me. She tried approaching meditation as a chance to simply spend a few moments with herself. This gentle attitude guided her now, whereas before she was trying too hard for a profound experience, ultimately feeling like a failure. 

I thought about this and wondered more about how to make meditation more appealing.

What if we looked at meditation like it was a puppy? 

First and foremost we can't help but love this adorable creature. Could we look at ourselves and our meditation practice with this kind of easy adoration? Maybe.

There is a profound truth in Yoga philosophy that at first seems pessimistic, but once understood, brings freedom and the experience of unconditional love. The teaching is that all things we love, including relationships, will eventually bring us sorrow. For instance, we enjoy spending time with our friend, and then they say something that hurts our feelings. We appreciate our parent and then feel burdened by them. We feel respected by our partner and then feel they are not treating us well. We have fun with our child and then find ourselves bored or exhausted.

Many of you have heard me talk about the teachings of Yoga being, in fact, very few. We just describe them in different ways. Every week in class, we discuss a different topic, all of which help us understand the whole of our being. Underlying so many of the yogic teachings is the understanding that we contain all the wisdom we need within us. At this very moment in time, we know everything. But, are we listening?

I like to ask my Yoga students for feedback about why they do Yoga, what they are learning of particular interest on their Yoga journey, and what they would like to learn more about.