This blog discusses the concept of faith in the teachings of yoga as a fundamental principle to develop in living an inspired life.
In last week’s blog, I discussed the Art of Slow Living as relayed to me through the turtles. One of the key ingredients in creating a life that serves you is the development of Śraddhā (Shruh-duh) translated as faith/confidence. As a veteran yoga teacher and now, therapist, many years ago, I developed an understanding of my body in postures and how to align so I received the benefit of the postures. I developed an intimate relationship with my breath and increased my ability to pay attention. But to let go of control and develop confidence that things will unfold in a way that they are meant to happen…now that’s a practice! You could say, “Take a leap of faith.”
Questioning your journey in this life, is a good thing. This shows your ability to reflect and navigate based on what you think will give you the greatest outcome. But sometimes, this may mean navigating in the dark or doing what’s unpopular and goes against “group think”. Do we choose the path that supports us or the one that is popular? The beautiful teachings of yoga involve learning to listen. How do we listen? By learning to practice stillness.
Traditionally, the postures were used to focus the breath, the breath techniques (pranayama) were in service to preparing the mind, and meditation was at the heart of the yoga practice. Here is where the depth of yoga takes place according to the ancients. This is where seeds of faith and confidence can take root. This is the place of true integration.
As a “recovering perfectionist” (lol), I use my yoga practice to cultivate the idea of Śraddhā. Sanskrit speaks to me, so I use this word, but you could say faith or confidence. I use the word mentally within breath-centric movement as well as meditation. Powerful stuff! My teacher, Gary Kraftsow of American Viniyoga Institute teaches that his teacher, T.K.V. Desikachar said, “If you have faith, you have no problems. If you have problems, you have no faith.” Words to ponder for sure!
The road of mindfulness is the path less taken, but in my opinion, one that is worthy of your time and energy. Let’s live our lives, my friends, as fully as possible!
I am reminded of the poem by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken” and the last few lines:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”