Mind Stiff

Body not stiff, mind stiff. This is a famous quote from the late Sri K Pattabhi Jois. I would say my body is also stiff, muscles stuck, bones cracking from the cold. Everything stiff. Mind and body. It happens. The change of temperature causes stiffness, the lack of sunlight causes less energy. And it is all connected. It is harder to get into the mat. It is harder to stay on the mat. It is not impossible though. One just needs extra courage and extra determination which I have to admit can be hard these days. We keep doing our best. And we try not to ask too much from ourselves. Acceptance and love of one's self. Sometimes that's the hardest to give. 

The autumn is in full swing and the temperatures are dropping. Staying in bed is getting more comfortable, the shortness of daylight, the rain - there are so many causes. And this year there is no running away to mother India, which I have been lucky to do 4 years out of the last 6 years. A sort of short escape from this cold. Now, we can only stay. And I find courage with the fellow practitioners. We are all in the same boat. All the world is experiencing this, there is no exception. And that sort of gives some sort of relief. Misery loves company? Maybe. I love being here though, amidst the cold. I think this year I really got to observe the seasons changing. No holiday in the summer and no going away in the winter and just being here. And there is beauty in that. I learn to make the most of it. While complaining a bit sometimes.

Mind stiff. Mind bending. Body bending. We keep the warmth in us. We keep the faith. Winter is coming but so will spring and summer. Plenty of things to look forward to. Keep your head up and keep smiling. Keep that fire inside of you.

I am starting later in practice. I try my best to be online at 7. I stay online and you are always welcome to join me. I would be very happy to see you there. Keep safe, keep happy, keep healthy.

Love always,
​J