Go with the Flow

Feelings are much like waves; we can't stop them from coming, but we can choose which ones to surf.
- Jonatan Marensson

Equanimity: mental calmness, composure and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
(thank you google)


Emotions are a daily challenge that everyone deals with. By watching how we react to situations, we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves.

It's not always a possibility to stand back and see an emotional reaction objectively. Sometimes we want to wallow. Sometimes it's fun to wallow. To wrap yourself in that anger or sadness, joy or anxiety and spend all day feeling that way. To be completely self indulgent. This could have the potential to be beneficial if we discover the cause of our emotional turmoil in the process, but it's not the healthiest way to go about it.

Hopefully more often we are interested in riding the emotions, surfing them to gain some perspective. Equanimity is the balance required to surf successfully. When we practice mindfulness in the face of strong emotions, we learn how to balance those emotions in the rest of our lives. We can then have an evenness to our lives, which means reduced stress, less pain and being able to make healthy choices for ourselves.

Chemical intervention in dealing with emotional issues is not only common in our society, it's encouraged. From the medical industrial complex that has allowed the growth of pharmaceutical companies into billion dollar organizations, to the marketing budgets of tobacco, alcohol, or even coffee and candy companies, the push to look outside yourself for chemical numbness is everywhere. That's not to mention the money spent on illegal drugs. Or the illegal use of legal drugs. We as a society are looking to feel better. Quickly. While this myriad choices relieves pain or enhances pleasure, it is a temporary situation. It is one that reduces your ability to be equanimous. Yoga and exercise both result in chemical changes in the body. This is the same reaction that allows for seemingly non-addictive pursuits can become a problem for people (sex, shopping and gambling). While the chemical changes that occur as a result of exercise could be considered by some, and is for some, an unhealthy addiction, it is more often a healthy choice. When done in moderation (and therefore balanced) and with mindfulness, you can achieve insight and equanimity.

This week's techniques in class will build on the strength and flexibility of foundation that we cultivated last week. Surfing requires very strong muscles, but without the flexibility you will fall. The ability to let go is important when riding what is coming at you. If you get caught watching the wave you missed, you'll get clobbered by the next one to come along. We will utilize ujjayi, ocean breath. It is a pranayama technique that refines your breath. It creates heat, essential to the process of refinement, and with it your body learns to to more with less. As you watch the breath, it focuses your mind and helps to keep you present.