This week in class we are exploring “acceptance”. There is a lot to accept in life, all sorts of things, life changing events like losing a loved one, but also very banal situations such as jam-packed public transport at peak hours, or even stiff hamstrings when practicing Adho Mukha Svanasana (Down Facing Dog Pose). Failing to accept brings up negative thoughts, negative thoughts are disruptive, they make serenity and inner peace harder to access. Acceptance is an on-going practice, on and off the mat, it is a theme that I will certainly explore again in future classes as I keep practicing it through my own life journey! For now, I promised a few students to share the quote I used last night at the conclusion of our practice, so here it is:
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Lao Tzu