This blog discusses the concept of doubt or indecisiveness as an obstacle that blocks us from having steady attention or a clear mind. Yoga Sutra 1.30 lists 9 obstacles that disrupt our ability to be present. Let’s take a look at one of these…samsaya.
Signs of fall are all around. Leaves have turned from green to yellow, red, and orange colors and are progressively falling to the ground. Days have turned chillier and shorter signaling an earlier bedtime. And squirrels are busy gathering nuts for the upcoming season of winter. Nature knows exactly what to do to adapt in the moment and prepare for change. I am inspired by the squirrel today as I write about samsaya.
Doubt or indecisiveness can be paralyzing. I liken this to the squirrel that crosses the street only to turn around and go back the way it came…and then change it’s mind. At a dizzying speed, the squirrel will go back and forth repeatedly often leading to its demise. When driving and I see a squirrel cross the street, I quietly cheer inside my car when it goes straight across with one decision and makes it safely to the other side. Also, I slow down when a squirrel is crossing because I understand the unpredictability of this animal. Love you squirrel!
Can we relate to our own challenges with doubt or indecision? I most definitely can! An example of indecision can be something like:
Unclear about staying in a current job situation where you may feel repressed or “wing clipped” versus taking a leap of faith into something new but unfamiliar
Not sure about a relationship/s that may not be sustaining you anymore…something feels off but it’s comfortable
These examples show that we may be aware of an imbalance but the comfort and familiarity of what we know may keep us from deeply listening. Just like the squirrel, we start to make a decision only to turn back to where we came from…overthinking anyone? My mentor, Chase Bossart has taught me that when samsaya is present, then the inner gratitude has not been heard yet! In other words, we are leading from the mind versus the “knowing” that lives at the heart. If our bodies aren’t functioning well, then our minds too will not function as well. Likewise, if our mind isn’t functioning well, our bodies will not function optimally. This is the mind/body connection that is so powerful and real!
As I continue to navigate this process called life, I see samsaya come up from time to time. While in my yoga practice, I deeply listen from the heart. Here’s a personal formula that is helping me navigate:
Be completely present in the moment
Stay true to myself
Lead from the heart
Learning to be in the present moment is one of the true gifts of yoga. Try this exploration…the next time, you find yourself worrying about anything (past, future), observe yourself in the moment. If you can, go outside. Use all of your senses to observe your surroundings, feel your feet beneath you. (go barefoot if possible) Take a deep breath and tune into the NOW. Steady the mind. Allow gratitude to move through you. Steady yourself! Move slowly.
I am so thankful for these deep teachings of yoga and for my teachers, Gary Kraftsow and Chase Bossart. Not only have they studied in depth at the source of the teachings, but are able to explain them in a way that allows me to grasp these concepts. My writings are a reflection of the way my mind understands and teaches these concepts. Today, I say “Thank you friend, Squirrel.”