Mariela’s Sunday Thoughts: Rain or Shine
When I was approaching who are now your teachers to put together the team at Grounded, I had one non-negotiable criteria: they had to have a deep understanding of yogic values, even if they were not a yoga instructor. It was crucial for me to make Grounded a place ran and represented by good people.
Yoga is a practice of dichotomies, contrasts, yins and yangs. In general, we don’t find many “grays” within the phylosophy. Naturally, yoga is deeply paradoxical- and that’s what makes it so vast, interesting, and intriguing.
What defines “good” in yoga is usually pretty straightforward: two of its eight principles are all about how to be a good person both within ourselves and in society.
Being at service is an inherent part of being a yogi. Yoga teaches us that we contribute to the greater good by selflessly providing our presence and attention (and therefore, our help) to others. It teaches us to relate, to observe each other and, maybe (if we’re very lucky) to walk in each other’s shoes.
Grounded is full of people that are there not only for each other, but for the community, the collective and, ultimately, the practice.
About a month ago, when we got invited to be part of the Sandpoint Wellness Fest, I knew I was going to need help since in was taking place during the same weekend my husband and I were taking a little birthday trip to celebrate him.
Not even for I minute did I worry about not being able to be there to set up our booth or prepare the classes that Grounded was offering during the festival. The moment I mentioned this to the team, volunteers immediately took on the chance to offer more to the community. Ashley and Jamie teamed up so seamlessly, peacefully, and in such a fun way to bring you the thoughtful, generous classes they did. Jamie took the time to go to the studio and to my house to gather the elements for the booth. Ashley gathered decorations. Jamie’s husband made sure the canopy would stay put against the windy conditions. Ashley’s mom made sure the booth had enough flowers. The team, once again, showed up with care, attention, and generosity.
They knew we were facing bad weather and not for a second did they doubt they’d be there.
Not for a second did I doubt they’d be there.
Yoga teaches us about reliance and accountability. In short, yoga is all about service. By practicing acts of service we become more compassionate and understanding. The more we give, the more we practice detachment, the closer we are to a blissful existence.
Seva is the word we use in yoga to talk about selfless service. It is the core of Karma Yoga (the yoga of action). It teaches us to let our actions be driven by duty rather than by outcome. It’s rooted in humility and it helps us connect with our higher purpose.
This morning my husband and I packed our soaking wet tent, our friends made us coffee, and we headed out a little later than planned, knowing that no matter what, I bunch of yogis would have my back.
A simple journaling (or thought/meditation) prompt to connect with Seva:
Morning: today, I invite you to make the resolution to practice secret kindness: Do helpful things for roommates, family, or coworkers completely anonymously. This is a powerful way to quiet the ego.
Evening: Reflect on your day and look for welcome interruptions: View unexpected disruptions in your daily activities as your practice for the day, rather than as annoying obstacles. Maybe you had plans to take a yoga class and you ended up having to drive someone to the airport instead. Can you welcome that interaction and see it for what it is, yet another opportunity to be a yogi?