Practice Off The Mat

Vol. 1 Issue 1

Walking down the street recently, I spotted a nail in the travel path of the intersection. I reached down, picked it up, brought it home and tossed it in the tool box.

I don’t know if picking up that nail made any bit of positive difference at all. After all, it is impossible to prove something that did not happen, would have actually happened if no action had taken place. But it seems like a worthwhile effort.

(Note: you may now be thinking, “What the hell are you talking about?” Fair question.)

Let's go back to walking down the street. I see the nail. And now the question is “What do I do with this nail?”

It is impossible to be certain someone will experience harm by running over the nail. Be it their bike, car, foot, a pet’s foot. But I also know that even without 100% certainty, the chances are still greater than zero.

Picking up the nail from the road is not going to erase all the ills in the world. It also won’t prevent a flat tire from ever happening at all. But, now there is zero chance of someone having their world disrupted by this nail being in this road in this moment.
 

If that nail stays in place, someone might run over it. The nail causes a flat tire. Consider the time, the money, and the impact of resolving that flat tire.

If you’ve ever experienced a flat tire yourself, you know exactly what I am talking about. If you know someone who experienced a flat tire - ask them about it. You’ll receive the entire tale of how disruptive it is. I'd guess that even recalling the experience will result in their body's stress response activating again.

Mindfulness teaches us to be present and attuned to what is within us and around us in each moment. The practice of yoga is a pathway to bring our true loving essence back in balance & harmony with the people, world, and universe around us.

This is one small example of why we practice on the mat, on the cushion, at home or in the studio. We practice so we can carry these skills with us into our daily lives.

When we act in accordance with these practices the question evolves to become: why wouldn’t I pick up the nail? 

Offered with deep love and gratitude for all that you are, 
Chris