“You must unlearn what you have learned.” – Yoda
Hi Friends,
It’s May the fourth! A day to celebrate the Star Wars series about a galaxy far, far away. And yet, here we are on planet Earth in our own reality that seems quite similar to a movie plot.
Even though I don’t consider myself a huge Star Wars junkie, I remember going to the movies to see every release with my family. An outing I especially miss these days. Although I didn’t realize it when I was younger, as I began practicing and studying yoga I saw a strong correlation between the themes of Star Wars and the yoga practice. One Yoda quote that especially reminds me of the first yoga sutra is, “You must unlearn what you have learned.” In the yoga sutras (a foundational text on the theory and practice of yoga) the first one is Atha yoganushasanam which translates to “And now begins the practice of yoga.” Essentially, these two principles remind us that we must continue to learn from each present moment experience and set aside old habits and patterns and do not serve us.
Even though it may seem as though each day is the same because we are limited in what we can do and where we can go physically. We are limitless in our minds. We have the capability to see beyond what binds us and to create our own reality based on our perspective.
One of my friends and fellow Yoga Teacher, Dene recently said, “We are not all in the same boat, but we are in the same storm.” I know this is a trying and difficult time, but we can all learn something valuable whether about ourselves or our environment.
This time has personally reinforced the value of my yoga and meditation practice and the power of journaling my thoughts and experiences. I have also picked up a new hobby of gardening. Most importantly, I have learned that I am more resilient than I thought and that I am not alone in this.
What ever lessons you are learning in this process, may it carry you forward through this storm. And… May the fourth be with you.
With peace and love,
Lauren
