It’s fall and football is in full swing. Some argue that no sport in America captures such mass appeal. Even the yogi may find him or herself drawn into some of that energy! In fact, many yogis have athletic backgrounds of one sort or another, or at least a good ol’ fashion competitive spirit. And indeed the attributes of perseverance, tenacity, focus and drive are star qualities for any successful endeavor, yogis included!
It can of course go awry if the sneaky ego gets involved in the play action. Suddenly we find ourselves involved in a spiritual athleticism of sorts, fraught with tensions of comparison, unhealthy expectations, doubt, a misplaced focus on technique “trophies”, and other self-defeating attitudes. They impede our progress from our true goal of an ever expanding awareness of God’s presence in every aspect of our being and daily life.
Recalibrating our practices with devotion, we can cultivate a purer, deeper connection and oneness with our True Nature. This ultimately brings about a “success” of unimaginable freedom from the binding limitation of our ego consciousness which by definition can only foster a sense of defeat.
Each one of us harbors that dynamic Spirit within us to propel us forward. Through our determined, enthusiastic, heartfelt intentions one step at a time, we are brought ever closer to our goal. Paramhansa Yogananda offers these insights:
“Spiritual results begin as subtle transformations in the consciousness of the inner being. Saints are sinners who did not give up. No matter what your difficulties, if you do not give up, you are making progress.”
Together moving forward in Light and Love,
Ananda in Texas
