Foundation

Foundation: 

it's always the foundation for me, returning to the Yamas and Niyamas,the first two limbs of the yogic path, and often even narrowed down to just one aspect of this practice. It's beautiful how these principles deepen over the years, or that more truly, my ability to open myself up to their potential has grown, allowing them to be more fully expressed throughout my life. These are generally referred to as ethical guidelines, not rules, but merely suggestions to help a yogi navigate life in a truly meaningful and caring way. Again, they are the foundation of yoga, everything else is built up their practice. I'm always drawn back to them, a gentle return, arriving to a new and deeper understanding each time. 

of course I never really stray from them, or not far at least, they're too crucial to my practice. Yet it often seems that a specific one will call me back to explore it through a new light, that I've a reached a point in my life that I might be ready to express a certain principle more fully now, artfully, as if a seed that had been planted long ago has reached a point of blossom. 

so more truly, my foundation is a garden.

right now, it's Aparigraha that seems to call me. There's a deeper understanding here, or perhaps a more urgent call to practice. Aparigraha is translated as non-hoarding, or non-greed, it the practice of freeing ourselves from attachment to not just material things, but valued thoughts and beliefs as well. What it offers is a path to freedom, surrendering what's most cherished for spaciousness of mind. This isn't about getting rid of our possessions and living frugally, it's simply being free of our attachment to the impermanent things of the world. 

it's about awareness. 

in this light, even my practice is surrendered, not really a solid foundation at all, but just a spontaneous arsing of my most natural tendencies. I am by my very nature free and open, non-attached to any particular idea and unencumbered by beliefs. My practice only serves as a reminder of this, a call back to return to my essential nature.

it's a foundation of infinite measure...

boundless.

~

Peace, Eric