To Discern or Not to Discern

When people find out that I teach yoga for a living, I am often met with “Oh, I can’t do yoga. I’m not flexible.” However, I don’t let them get away with it. My reply: “That is equivalent to saying ‘I can’t shower. I’m too dirty.’” Over-identifying with the idea that you are not flexible is exactly what prohibits you from doing yoga, not your actual level of flexibility (mostly because regular yoga practice improves flexibility).

Who can help it though? It appears to be human nature for the mind to move towards what is missing than to focus and honor what is already there. As my teacher says, when you lose a tooth your tongue just loves inserting itself into the mushy gap instead of glossing over the teeth that are still there. This tendency to focus on what is missing is present in everyone to varying degrees, regardless of your level of yoga practice. As you progress in your practice, challenging poses will be what defines, or doesn’t define, you.

What can you do about it? The age old adage of “Awareness is the first step” applies here. Going forward, integrate viveka into your practice. Viveka is often defined as discernment, or the ability to judge well. Instead of looking out and noticing all that you are not, demystify your experience by looking in and honouring what is already there.