Today's practice brings us off the mat...and into our closets! We all know what it is to feel crowded, to surround ourselves with too much stuff, whether the stuff be thoughts, things, obligations, guilt, unfulfilled promises, doubt, etc. - essentially the muck that tends to heavy us down. If you would like to start with a bit of asana today, then roll out your mat and move through a variation of the following:
3 - 5 few sun salutations
Shoulder stretch with hands clasped behind back, folding
A handstand or 5 jumping dogs or hold forearm plank for 10 breaths
and then pick one or two standing poses of your choice and make sure you get them in on both sides (you can move from a wide stance or add a vinyasa in between)
Lower the knees and spend 5 slow ujayi breaths in child's pose.
That's your warm-up.
Time to move to your closet.
No matter how organized and efficient you may be, chances are you are holding on to clothing in your closet that you don't wear and certainly don't need. For us as individuals, the unnecessary stuff we hold onto often dilutes the stuff that holds greater meaning for us. For example, in thought, we often crowd the more meaningful thoughts with distracting chatter. What if we could be more efficient with the way we frame our thinking? Simplify. Clarify. In our closets, maybe we can't see that awesome shirt that could use a night out 'cause there's just too much other stuff crowding it. This is the yoga - to make the choice if what is worth keeping and what we need to put back into the universe and get rid of.
So today, take one or two items from your closet or bureau (start with one or two and maybe you'll surprise yourself with where this goes) and put them in a bag to bring to Goodwill or Salvation Army (there are deposit bins all over Fairfield County). The greater benefit of this practice is that as we simplify for ourselves, our personal unnecessary stuff may be great stuff for someone else. As we transition into chillier nights, there are plenty of people all around us who could use that sweater or shirt that we haven't worn in 3 years. Give them the gift. Dakshana. Follow through with this promise. Place the bag in your car so that you make sure it gets to where it's needed.
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Thank you, Sarah. Part of my personal practice for the past couple of months has been "depiling." Thank you for putting such a bright light on a practice I like to keep so dimly lit I hope no one (aka, my husband) notices. I find very little more satisfying than making space. I hope others who read this article are motivated to seek the same clarity. The reminder to put the bag in the car...mucho importante!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah! I just did this two weeks ago, two garbage bags full and my closet is still full! I also do this every year at christmas with my son, he has to give away toys before he gets all his new stuff for christmas (I can't stop the family). I used to do a toy for a toy, but now I let him decide, going through and being so decisive on what is really important. I think it is important because it helps him to learn that these are just things and he doesn't need to get too attached. Such a good lesson for all of us!
ReplyDeleteFunny- I did that today before I even read your blog. The only thing I missed was the asana part-oops. I'll try that next time. I still have clothes from work during the 80's with big shoulder pads (nostalgia?) so you can only imagine the other chatter going on in my life. I loved the analogy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarahxx
Sarah B