Don’t Hold Back – Walk in the highest state of Consciousness
by Suzanne Gray
I read an article written from the owner of Gold Coast Yoga Centre ,Suzanne Gray ( thanks Suzzanne for the insight into one of the Yamas + thanks for the permission to pass an excerpt of what you wrote on to my readers. Here is Suzzannes perspective below and just a few of her examples that I find really helpful as ways to invite Bramacharya (one of the Yamas in Yoga) into daily life as far as Mindfulness goes:
There are a lot of interpretations of Brahmacarya (one of the branches on the first limb of Yoga – Yama/observances). Many people interpret it to mean celibacy, abstinence or restraint. All of these definitions indicate a holding back from action. My understanding of it is that it comes from the root words “Brahman” meaning the highest state of consciousness/beingness possible; and “acarya” meaning “to walk”.
So, to me, rather than a holding back, it implies a state of awareness, and living that. Walking in the highest state of consciousness that one can.
It is being aware of the consequences of your actions, words and thoughts – both immediate consequences; and the repercussions that follow like dominoes.
It is being fully present and acting with kindness, discernment and compassion. I believe it is what the Buddhists refer to as mindfulness. It is attempting to live your highest life, your highest values, your highest potential. In a profound sense it is living with the mind of Brahman and letting that guide you. It is truly recognising we are all one. In this state, there are no opposites, no desires, no lack, no fear, no anger, no stories, no ego – only presence, love, peace, contentment and truth. There is no separation of you and others, or of you and Nature, or of you and the whole. There just is.
When you live with this as your reference point – you cannot help but live more skilfully. You cannot think or act in a way that harms, as you only harm yourself. It feels uncomfortable to even think in a negative or angry way about others. You are naturally tuned in to what creates the greatest harmony within (yourself – body, mind & spirit), with others and with the planet – and you naturally want to live this way! Here are some ways that you can make a difference and live more mindfully
Be mindful that you don’t always know how another is feeling, try not to assume – be compassionate at all times, whenever possible. Open up a dialogue and truly listen/connect. Be mindful of your ego – the stories of our mind, our fears and emotions can lead us to act in less than skilful ways! Try to take a breath/count to 10 before acting or responding whenever possible. Many teachers suggest asking questions “is it true?” “is it kind”, “is it necessary”. Allow time to pass if you can – most problems/challenges will sort themselves out.
Whatever the method – these are all examples of a daily life application of pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and allow us to go in, connect to our centre, our highest self/mind and act from that place – not our egoic reaction. Be mindful of your goals in life – to be healthy, to act from love, to be more compassionate, to be authentic – whatever they are – use them as a yardstick when you have to act/make a decision. Be mindful of process – we are not perfect – be kind to yourself as you attempt to live this way.
Learn from mistakes and let them be the motivation/foundation of more skilful actions in future. Karma yoga instructs us – do the absolute best that you can, but let go of the outcome. Be aware of negative self talk, and remember to re-align with your goals/highest vision of how you want to be,
and simply begin again. Being mindful of these few things and more will lead to a more Sattvic (balanced/harmonious) life and state of being for all – and it feels great!
THESE REMINDERS ARE FROM A FELLOW YOGINI SUZANNE owner of Gold Coast Yoga Centre and Ive taken liberty to bold a few that have been extremely key in my own experience so far.
Namaste
Tammy xox
