What is Yoga? | Your Instructors | Note from Robin | Featured Articles | Archived Notes

Developing The Muscles of Peace - September 2006

The other day, I snapped at my beloved husband of 26 years, furious that he wasn’t listening to me in a way that I perceived as loving and kind. A fight ensued as I attempted to convince him of my ‘rightness’. He, in turn, defended his ‘right’ to speak and act as he had. We took some space (I did a yoga practice, he did yard work), remembered the goodness in one another, kissed and made up. Through the years we’ve learned to disengage sooner and relax the grip of our position more easily. Yet, this stubborn Dance of The Righteous prevails, not just in our home, but in the home of the human heart.

Blown up, on the political front this dance looks like the My Party Is Better Than Your Party Two-Step. Environmentally, we Twist and Shout about conscious living while consuming with unconscious voracity. On the global level we witness holy wars, where God is broadcast as an own-able commodity, portioned out to only a lucky few, who dance a righteous jig to the sound of AK-47’s.

The ‘my way or the highway’ mentality is nothing new. A review of the history of humanity confirms this. Listening to the news, it’s easy to stand apart and think, "Can’t they see the futility of all this fighting? Why don’t they choose peace now, and end the killing and destruction?" However, they are really no different than us. The question becomes: How easily do we let go, when our spouse, child, mother, co-worker, dog… pushes our buttons? How willing are we to surrender?

According to yoga, conflict is inherent because we become attached to our perception of the world. The teachings also suggest that through meditative practices we can develop the capacity for mental equanimity. Equanimity implies an ability to hold what is as it is without imposing our way of thinking upon it. In fact, meditative practices help us to lose the attachment to having a ‘way’ altogether. A balanced mind and heart stays open no matter what the circumstance. This is the sign of an accomplished yogi, the ultimate sign of mastery, not a three hour headstand or the ability to perform 108 Sun Salutations.

Lately, when I lose my temper, I hear my teacher, Nischaladevi asking me, "Robin, would you rather be right, or be loved?" I admit there are still times I hold tight to the rightness all the while knowing it’ll cost me hours, sometimes days, even weeks of heartache. It’s a reflection to me of a need for more vigilant practice. Like many of you, I’ve spent years convincing myself that my way of seeing things makes sense. Letting go of that perspective isn’t always as easy as I’d like to believe.

The muscles of peace develop slowly. Much like the muscles anywhere else in our body, they are honed through hours of methodical training, dedication and intention. Without diligent effort it’s as likely that we’ll awaken with the heart of Mother Theresa, as it is that we’ll find ourselves in trim, fit shape without exercising. Every time we flex an aggressive, incriminating or critical thought about ourselves or others it’s like stepping off the peace train into a bowl of self-righteous muck. Each time we attempt to quiet the mind and see through the haze of our confused thinking, we progress towards peace within ourselves. In that way, we move closer toward creating peace in the world.

We can practice together, support and inspire one another to stay on the path. We need it. The world needs it. At The Yoga Barn, we have many opportunities to practice meditation, and learn the Dance of Stillness, Clarity and Peace. Join us. As Gandhi said, "Be the peace you seek". om shanti

Namaste,

The Yoga Barn, Inc.
Robin Rothenberg, Certified Yoga Instructor
660 NW Gilman Blvd., Suite C6, Issaquah, WA  98027
Studios located in both Issaquah and Fall City
Phone: 425.427.0038  -  Fax: 425.427.0613
E-mail: info@yogabarn.com  -  Web: www.yogabarn.com

Copyright © 1997 - 2007, The Yoga Barn, Inc. All rights reserved.