YOGA - WEST OF THE NARROWS

It's always funny, isn't it, when we make a connection that we have a mutual friend amongst the people we work with, play with, who's service we pay for, etc. And what's that crazy rule of thumb that we are only 7 degrees of people away from any celebrity (or anyone, probably, for that matter)? Then why can we often feel alone or segregated? Why do we allow our ego to run rampant assuming we are the only one with a particular issue, worry, or agenda to attend to?

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Yoga philosophy would say that the klesha (mental/emotional affliction) known as asmita is hindering our perception. Things like, "Why did they cut me off? Didn't they see me?" or "Can't they hurry up? I have somewhere to be!" run through our brains (and sometimes out our mouths!). We are practically obsessed with ourselves.

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"EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THE HEAVENS, ON EARTH, AND UNDER THE EARTH IS PENETRATED WITH CONNECTEDNESS, PENETRATED WITH RELATEDNESS." - Hildegard of Bingen

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Broken down, we are all so similar. Parents worrying for children or their own parents. Teachers to others and, at the same time, students of teachers. We eat, sleep, and work to survive. We feel emotions and cry out when we stub our toe. Every race, every continent, everywhere - people, just trying to get through the day, learn from yesterday and plan for tomorrow. But here we are, constantly concerned for our own wellbeing and sometimes, clearly unconcerned for others.

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But what if we acknowledged the fact that we are connected all throughout our day. From the moment we wake and make our a.m. coffee or tea we are connected. Someone worked quite hard to grow the product, and then another to package it, and yet another to drive it to your local store. Another person who placed in on the shelf, and one more to ring it up for you (I'm sure I'm missing a few in between). All before that beverage crossed your lips and filled your morning with joy - you've already been connected to several people. Whether or not you know their name, their story, their favorite brand of cereal matters not. They have impacted that moment regardless.

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Contemplating on this as the day progresses, how might you change your attitude & relationship towards others? It is not I, me, mine.........it is us and ours. Your pain will affect the whole and your joy the same. Your compassion will nuture this universe, and a failure to have respect will darken it. The next time you turn on the radio and hear "your" favorite song, think how many people have had the same joy - revel in your connectedness.

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Revel in the fact that we are riding this wave together and there's no need for separation. Let your ego step aside and say a gentle 'Thank You' before you dive into your next meal, walk into your well-built house, and even lace up those shoes. A lot of people had a hand in every moment of your day, and you do the same for others, even if you're unsure how. And for that, I thank YOU. May your days be filled with gratitude, connection and a compassionate smile for the 'stranger' passing by - even if they mistakenly cut you off.

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Namaste, Yogis.