Pure Joy

The Winter Olympics are the one time every 4 years that we’re plugged into the TV in our home. My husband and I both grew up on ice – he played hockey and I was a competitive figure skater – so we have a long-time connection and love of winter sports. When I saw Alysa Liu’s Olympic figure skating performances I knew I was watching something really unique – it was yoga in action. This month we are learning about yoga’s ethical teaching of Saucha or purity and last month we were learning about Aparigraha or non-attachment. Never before have I witnessed such pure joy in an elite athlete's performance, while also being so unattached to the outcome. Her exuberance and deep connection to the present moment was palpable and so profoundly beautiful.

The practice of yoga creates an environment for purity so it naturally becomes what you gravitate towards. This is a very different experience than forcing ourselves to commit to an externally imposed set of rules in an attempt to change or accomplish something. It seems our human instinct is to start a purification process by trying to eliminate all the impurities in our life from our food to our moods. What if rather than pushing all our impurities away we start by turning towards them and loving ourselves just as we are? There are so many things we hide or resist. If we cultivate loving acceptance, we pave the way to release what needs to go. Then, as we release unhealthy habits, thoughts, beliefs or behaviors, our relationship with each moment becomes more pure. Over time this cultivates clarity so we make choices that foster ease and balance rather than suffering. In the spring of 2022 Alysa gave up skating and began to heal her suffering from the intensity of this competitive sport. Fortunately, two years later she rediscovered her passion for skating. She has given the world a beautiful gift by showing us what is possible when we do what we love and love what we do.

Much love,
Sue