Remember that old parable that taught about the strength of the sun? This blog looks at this story as an analogy for what strength really is and how the power of connecting to your inner light is both a blessing to ourselves and to others.
I was just a child when I read the parable about the sun versus the wind but I can recall the story so easily. Apparently, the wind and the sun were in a disagreement over who was stronger. Looking down, “they” spied a man bundled in a scarf, hat, and coat. Both Wind and Sun agreed that whomever can get the man to disrobe his accessories would be proof of who was the strongest! The Sun stepped back and Wind began to muster up a mighty amount of strength, blowing and blowing with great force. The man only wrapped his coat around him tighter and held on to his hat. He shivered, changed his posture and rounded his back to brave the Wind’s force. After a bit, the Wind, feeling defeated, stopped blowing and let the Sun have a go. The Sun begin to do what it does…SHINE! We know what happened next!
This is a beautiful example of the power of “shine” in which finesse works over force. The way of yoga is one of understanding the qualities of effort and ease as true strength. Yoga and meditation are tools that help an individual work through imbalances, create new patterns of living, and lead from the heart or the “Knowing”. When the Sun simply shone down on the man, eventually he changed his position and let go of holding on so tightly. He became lighter.
As a yoga therapist, I witness the power of “shine” frequently with precious clients that have experienced trauma, disease, mobility issues, etc. It is not through force that I work with them but through the ease of finesse to slowly guide them back toward balance and managing their symptoms. I often observe posture and mobility improve, personal stories get debunked, and eventually confidence and joy increased. In time, they can begin to see their value or their “light”. A favorite quote of mine from my teacher, Gary Kraftsow is “With correct understanding things become lighter not heavier.” Here the quality of light has to do with the weight of life’s challenges.
Recently, I have been feeling the push and pull of force versus finesse. I am bearing witness to profound grief of losing a dear family friend suddenly. Simultaneously, navigating the quick decline of my father who has been managing Parkinson’s Disease for years with me as a caregiver. Sometimes, I feel lost and wanting to turn back the hands of time…to make everything okay (force). I find the deepest understanding in my personal practice that brings out the “sun” to shine right on/in me, reassuring me that true strength is the way.
Mitra, is the nickname for the sun which refers to the quality of a true friend. The sun comes up every day, no matter what, so we can rely on it’s presence. Taking the time to watch the sun come up, spreading it’s light across the sky can become a ritual that builds trust. Give it a try. Play with Mitra!