"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Gandhi

When we change ourselves, it changes all of our relationships, which then naturally has an impact on everyone around us. It ripples, just like when we throw a pebble in a pond.

When we look at our own actions and words in an honest and straightforward manner, beyond all the excuses, there is change. Deep inside us. We come closer to a balance between mind and heart, intelligence and love. As we speak or act again, change is now possible. 

One way to look at the posture practice is to see that the posture starts in the moment you want to get out of it. This is when practice can take place. When we get uncomfortable. How will we stay? What attitude will we apply? What can we change? Can we breathe? Is relaxation possible? Can I be with what is making me uncomfortable?

This angle on the practice is directly applicable to self observation off the mat. To look long enough that we actually start to see the parts of ourselves that make us uncomfortable. And then to stay there. Looking to see what can change. Can I breathe? Can I relax into the uneasy? Can I put judgement away, allow it to be? So that it can transform? So I can change? As Krishnamurti said, "Observation is change". But it takes more then a quick glance. It takes staying, genuinely looking. No matter how uncomfortable it makes us.

I am willing to continuously do this myself and I hope you are too. I look forward to seeing those of you who practice with me, back on the mats again this week. If you haven't made it onto that mat yet, send me a line. Perhaps it's time?