This mind-blowing picture is of our own Bernhard Weigl. Who would have guessed that the unassuming, hard-working practitioner with a graceful practice is also a cover-boy for a kite-surfing magazine??? All I have to say is, this is why we work on backbends in class!
So back to the title of the article. I've done a bit of ultra running, and after completing a 5 day stage race in the Colorado Rockies a couple of years ago, I was a bit teary-eyed telling a class about it. I was emotional because it was challenging, and there was a moment when I wasn't sure I could do it, so finishing it meant something to me. Someone actually asked me that question: "Why would anyone want to do that?".
It really set me back. After I was done being offended, it got me thinking: why DO I want to do those kind of things? As it turns out, that night I picked up the Tao Te Ching, and opened it to the 25th verse:
"There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the Mother of the universe. For lack of a better name, I call it the Tao. I call it great. Great is boundless; boundless is eternally flowing; ever flowing; it is constantly returning. Therefore, the Way is great, heaven is great, earth is great, people are great. Thus, to know humanity, understand earth. To know earth, understand heaven. To know heaven, understand the Way. To know the Way, understand the great within yourself."
The point really is that you, I, we, come from greatness. We are gifted with this physical form and this is our vehicle to find our way through this life. How else to get a glimpse of the greatness from which we came unless we are doing things previously unimaginable? This is why I do "that".
Remember the first time you could balance in crow or headstand? Do you remember the thrill? Anytime you do something you thought was impossible, at least for you, you are reminding yourself of your greatness. And it doesn't have to be physical. Maybe you think that 15 minutes of stillness and contemplation is impossible for you. What if it IS possible? And I'm suggesting that you are capable of FAR more than you can ever imagine. Why not get a little taste?
From a yoga perspective, in my opinion, there's something valuable about challenging and complex poses and sequences. I don't think they are REQUIRED, but here's why I think they are beneficial:
1. They are FUN!
2. Through our accomplishments, we get a glimpse of that Ultimate Greatness, which is our source.
3. I believe that there is a connection between our physical body and our consciousness; and to maximize our capacity on every level, compassionately exploring our physical limitations and the maximum number of physical shapes our body can perform is stimulating on every level of our existence, and helps clear the energy channels.
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we do things inappropriate for us. And on any given day, year, or stage in life, something else will be appropriate, and learning to respect and honor that is part of the practice.
Why do you do what YOU do? Do you have a reason? Maybe Bernhard can chime in. I'm going to post this on my blog, because I know there are many inspiring people and scriptures from religions and spiritual traditions of all kinds, poetry, books, et al, and maybe there's something you can share that has inspired you to find your greatness. What helps you feel connected to your greatness?
What are your thoughts? Please, share it all on my blog, I want to hear from you. And I hope that you will all find inspiration to discover, remind yourself of and live in your greatness.
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