Nirodha

Nirodha:

nirodha, the word itself means cessation or restraint, and it's often referred to as the very definition of yoga, and being the only real goal that a yogi's seeking to attain. It's really a bit of a paradox though, as when we strive hard for this specif state of stillness we often chase it further away, our concentration locked onto something not present and we end up missing the very process of its attainment. Nirodha is more aptly a revelation rather than an achievement. It's revealed to us as the reality of a very still and quiet mind, one brought to focus on a singular act even as the busy motion of the world continues. Nothing is really restrained, and the only thing that ceases is our distractions, all of the infinite little things that seem to pull us towards a busy and unfulfilled life. 

nirodha is the ceasing of our suffering. 

what often happens is that yoga provides a taste of this reality, a moment of poise and balance as an asana is held just right and it seems the entire world drops away. With this glimpse of a concentrated state we're off and running in full pursuit of something special, our entire practiced not aimed in this direction. But what's forgotten is that magic is always here, present right now, and doesn't need to be attained. Our practice is nirodha, already occurring withing the stillness of the mind. We're just too busy, distracted by so many little things that we fail to give it notice. 

until reveled through the grace of our practice. 

and that's the true value of our practice, simply showing up each day for the value of being present, surrendering ourselves to the very process of surrender. Through our practice nirodha is revealed as the underlying reality that allows for motion, not really a state of stillness, but being the energetic potentiality for life to happen. To chase this would be to miss it entirely, even as it's ever present. Our practice is just the means for us to finally give it notice. 

even if only briefly

 through the grace offered by a pose. 

~

Peace, Eric