DESIDERATA

The Yoga Sutras can be found in funny places + represented in many forms….

Who knew when I sat at my Grans old telephone chair as a child trying to understand what this wall hanging meant that in reality I was reading yet another version of the Yamas + Niyamas from the Yoga Sutras.


When my Gran passed away one of the first things I thought of for some reason was the wall hanging that used to hang above her phone. I remembered it was that old it looked a bit torn like an old scroll , I recall feeling that it represented something important. I asked my Mum and Aunty what it was, my cousin recalled it also and wanted a copy without either of us knowing exactly what it was or what it stood for (as kids).


When Mum sent it to me along with my Grans record of the this poem being read, I remembered thinking maybe my Gran was a Yogi after all;)


My Grans Wall Hanging was the Poem called DESIDERATA.


I’ve inserted my own interpretations of the Yoga Sutras thus far;)


I love that there are so many ways to say the same thing and that there are so many ways to reflect, practice and refine our relationships with each other and ourselves. At the end of the day these all exist simply because we all wish to BE HAPPY .


Enjoy the poem and enjoy a little taste of the Yoga Sutras


Namaste


xox Tammy



DESIDERATA


Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons

(Sutras 2.3-2.4) ~ The Yamas ~ How we treat others + yourself


Speak your truth (Satya) quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit


If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

(Sutra 1.33) ~ relates to our attitudes towards others (those who are happy, unhappy, virtuous, wicked)


Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.


Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

(Sutra 2.23-2.29) ~ put the work in (tapas + follow the eight limbs of yoga and you will begin to learn how to discern and to see clearly)


Be yourself.

(Sutra 4.34) ~ Freedom


Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.


Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

(Sutra 2.32) ~ The Niyamas learn how to look after yourself


But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

(Sutra 2.3-2.15) ~ Do not let the obstacles of your own mind stress you out! Work out what’s real and what is not.


Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

(Sutra 2.35, 2.23 + 2.45) ~ Ahimsa (Be Kind Be Gentle) + remember you are LOVE


Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

(Sutra 2.45)


With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

(Sutra 1.2 + 1.51) Have faith and See clearly


Be cheerful.

(Sutra 1.33)


Strive to be happy.

Sutra (3.1-3.12 + 4.34) Figure out what works and spend the rest of your life refining it. Freedom is worth the practice:)


Reference (C) 1920 – Desiderata
Inspired by my Gran, her wall hanging, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and my own personal practice of Yoga


Namaste.


xox


Tammy Williams

(Founder of Yoga NRG)

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Lee

    WOW! This is amazing, it’s as if she were a Yogi. You must feel even more connected to her now. Lee
    x

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