Are you FORCING it?

So....have you noticed anything different about the sun lately? 

I have.  

It all started a few weeks ago while sitting on my deck in the afternoon.  I noticed that the sun was hitting my book at a slightly different angle than usual.  
  
A few days later I stepped out into a brisk morning to let Pluto do his "doggy business" and I realized that every cell of the atmosphere was no longer effortlessly permeated and filled with the sun's energy, but instead the sun now had to "push" through a crisp edge on the breeze and labor a bit to warm the morning.  

And, finally, perhaps saddest of all, I realized that my skin was no longer readily absorbing the sun and tanning was becoming a part of the past instead of the present day.

Dang!

The seasons shift subtly, although we don't always notice because we aren't as attuned to the rhythms of the natural world as we once were.  My senses told me weeks ago that the change was coming -- but they also calmed me with the reassurance it wouldn't happen overnight.  I was okay with it, but not with the "Back to School" sales and flyers and signs that appeared far earlier, like July 5th.  Those signs infuriate me with their bold desire to run people right out of their summers and into a shopping frenzy.  I choose to ignore them as long as possible.
  
Is it because I don't want to get back to school?  
Is it because I don't want summer to end?
   
Well, yes.  Obviously.  

But......

I think its also because man, society, culture, the big box corporations, etc. (whatever you want to call it) are always RUSHING us along and hitting us over the head with their messages.  Its so FORCED.  And I have great disdain for FORCED in all facets of life, but especially in a yoga practice.  I dare say -- I think forcing things usually ends in regret.

The reason is this:

If you listen to your competitive or ego mind and rush or try to force yourself into a yoga pose, you will find it is more harmful than beneficial in the long run.  Whatever you think you've gained by forcing yourself into some vision of a pose today will cost you tomorrow as your body recoils and tightens in exasperation.

On the other hand, our bodies are part of nature's world-- still soft, warm animals -- no matter how hard our society tries to "overcome being human."  Our bodies rely on the their senses and pay attention to subtle shifts, like the sun.  They are constantly recording important information that leads to acceptance of life unfolding.

And, for this reason, we must listen carefully to our bodies for guidance in our yoga practice (and our daily life!).  They blossom open only when they are ready.  They heal only when they are ready.  We cannot force them.  Your body needs consistency... to sense and record the subtle shifts you're making every day in your practice in order to accept bigger changes down the line.    

Just as I needed to sense the subtle shifts in the sun over a period of time before I could possibly go out and buy school supplies.  

Namaste~
Tammie