True Nature

Tada Drashtuh Svarupe Avasthanam 1.3
"Then, the seer becomes established in its true nature."

In order to see ourselves clearly for who we are - with all our perfect imperfections - we first have to still the mind. Otherwise, we tend to identify with the "vrittis", the agitations and fluctuations of the mind. Once the mind is crystal clear, our perception is no longer distorted.

So perhaps yoga's ultimate result is the discovery of our true nature. When we are calm and centered, we can mindfully practice being a silent witness and observe our life as it is happening. We can accept our current situation without judgement or struggle. We can allow feelings to arise without letting them hijack us, and we can notice thoughts as they come without mistaking them for the truth.

Jon Kabat Zin said, "Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience."  

Whether we are on or off the yoga mat, our journey is hard or easy depending on the day, circumstances, and postures we create in our bodies and in our minds. It takes effort to face challenges, to take every obstacle as an opportunity and to keep looking for our true nature.

"Keep knocking
and the joy inside
will eventually
open a window
and look out
to see who's there."
RUMI