Aug 12 2008
Yoga of the Mind
I was in the locally famous cafe, Anthony’s, of Paia, Maui last week. While waiting in line for my scrumptious blueberry smoothie, I overheard two gentlemen speaking. The conversation was highlighting, largely, the increase in cost of shipping of goods to Maui. The undertone of the overall conversation was one of dread and unhappiness. Whether it was the flooding of sugary blue that entered my belly or simply years of training to be self-reflective I had a flash of insight during there conversation. I created a movie screen in my mind. I could see the joy of these men. I saw them laughing and talking about what they were happiest about. I imagined a yoga retreat of an instantaneous nature descending upon them. Providing the feelings of being relaxed, inspired and deeply connected to their best selves. Now, keep in mind, the unassuming cafe patrons had no idea what I was creating in my mind. Yet, there was an immediate lift in their tone and the first gentleman, who had a daughter, was suddenly disctracted by her request for a blueberry smoothie! He laughed and smiled and the conversation changed direction. A short and sweet story to share the way we can uplift ourselves and each other - retreating to the yoga of the mind. Can we twist the neural pathways of our perceptions like we twist our limbs like pretzels? Can we hold the vision of others as their radiant, happy selves even when they, themselves, are feeling otherwise? Give it a try. Next time you hear a conversation of an unenlightening nature add your yoga of the mind and enlighten the conversation, silently to yourself, notice what happens! Love to hear your results.