Start with the Lighter Weights by Chris Temple

Back in the early times of the Buddha and Patanjali, in order to reach enlightenment, it was taught that we needed to be able to master the mind. These teachings still hold true today and it is no easier an undertaking now than it was back then. In fact, one might even say it is harder these days with the distractions of modern-day life only an arms reach away. Either way, either time, getting control or at least some semblance of control of the mind, although seemingly impossible, is NOT. But its also NOT easy. 

How do we begin? How do we start our practice of guiding the mind towards a calmer, happier, stress-free state? We start by “lifting the easier weights.” If we were going to the gym we probably wouldn’t rush over to the heaviest weights and start pumping iron. We would choose the lighter weights or even start on the machines. There is a lot more control and arguably less chance of injury. In our practice of strengthening our minds towards freedom from suffering, the “lighter-weight” is the body. It is here where we start disciplining, guiding and maneuvering ourselves towards a happier state of being in the MIND. When we learn to move mindfully and connectedly in our bodies with peace and tranquility we evolve our holistic selves. The body is strengthened, we then can move towards the “heavier weight.” We can then move towards the more challenging task, developing our ability to master the mind.

In my own practice. If I’m turning into “mister crabby pants”, or if I’m starting to feel depressed or unfulfilled, trying to “think my way out of it” doesn’t usually work unless I’ve been developing and toning the “muscles” that do this for me. Perhaps one way to look at this is to say that the weight has gotten too heavy for my skills of thought. If this is true, and these skills have gotten too flaccid, I need to backtrack and start with what I know I can do. I return to the practice of the body. When I’m back into the practice of my body with fluidity and connectivity, I am then back on track to move into aligning within.

Not only does the physical practice help me back into the “mind” practice, but diving into my physical practice also helps to “right-size” my problems. Moving through the body helps my mind to gain clarity. In a way, it pulls the pants off of the boogeyman so that I can see that he’s not so big and scary. If I’m not into my regular practice of asana and meditation, I tend to carry around a proverbial magnifying glass with me everywhere and when I look at my challenges and tasks ahead of me, I think everything is huge and insurmountable. If I am deep into my regular practice I can put the drama magnifying glass away. I am able to see things more clearly and am a lot less likely to get overwhelmed by whatever curve balls come my way.

It a perfect world we are practicing and meditation every day. If you fall off of that horse, as we often do, remember your way back. If we are able to increase the strength and flexibility in our bodies this is the physical manifestation of the energetic idea of creating strength and flexibility in our mind.

Namaste,

See you on the mat!!!

Christopher Temple