Discipline is a tool to train the mind, to program or reprogram the mind. Most systems of practice are developed founded on a rigorous discipline. I find myself benefiting immensely from discipline as the nature of my mind is to easily engage with distractions, with minor responsibilities or tasks that have nothing to do with my life purpose or with my dreams, passions and goals. So discipline gives organization to my mind, it helps me to put the pieces in the right place so I can flow in my life with less effort. Though, I also believe that discipline with a blinded approach could be a way to square the mind, to reduce perspective of life. When we just follow steps or recipes without observing, analyzing or questioning, we become attached to the method, and our egos become attached to the fruits of the practice, whichever the practice is. We become products and our vision gets restricted to achieving a role, a title, a recognition, a goal. This is the reason why I consciously avoid putting tags or roles to myself like: yogini, ashtangi, etc. At some point without even noticing it I catch myself labeling my practice over and over again, so these moments become the opportunities for reflection. Svadhyaya is a Sanskrit word from Yoga Philosophy which stands for self-study, self-observation. For me this is the most important aspect of the practice. The discipline of the practice, called Abhyasa in Yoga Philosophy, is only a tool to access the self, but is not the target. If I don’t get to transcend everyday some layers of myself to understand me more, to become more truthful and free, the discipline becomes meaningless. I honor and embrace the practice of discipline with self-observation and no-attachment. 📷Video still frame by @fotosbyboca 💙 #abhyasa #svadhyaya #vairagya #utthitahastapadangusthasana #yogaasana #asanapractice #yogapractice #yogaisequanimity #selfobservation #balanceyoganj #luanafarayoga (at Balance Yoga Studio)
