I have changed my mind

What is the mind and how do I relate to my mind? Do I know my mind at all?

While it is important to be consistent, clear and steadfast in what we do - in how we act in the world, there is also room for movement, room for change. Yoga is really getting to know your mind and on the way you get to know your body, your emotions, your actions and mostly your reactive ways with which you interact.

Yoga practiced daily gets to a deeper understanding of Self that goes beyond physical health.

A few things are good and importatnt to stick to and not let the mind get you out of your resolutions as it always gives you excuses why not to adopt new habits or eg. stick to a ‘regular program’.

Where did I change my mind? No, not in things like the importance of gut-health and yoga, but in the length of the next retreat. Still I know eight days for the gut-cleanse-yoga retreat is the best length of time for a retreat like that, and still I had to see what is best for the people who want to join in terms of their work-life availability. So sticking to the core of one’s mission is important, yet staying adaptable and flexible not only in the body is also key.

Here is a little story:

“Once upon a time there lived a king who had a most beautiful but rampandly wild horse. The beast could not be tamed. The king decreed that he would handsomely reward anyone who could subdue his stallion. Prompted by thoughts of wealth, many people tried. Each man matched and pitted all his strenght against the horse, but none was strong enough to overcome the animal by mere force. Even the mightiest were thrown off or injured. Tired and frustrated, the contestants withdrew.
Some time passed until one day the king saw the horse meekly obeying a newcomer’s instructions. The king was amazed, and demanded to know how this man had succeeded where so many others had failed. The horse tamer replied: “Instead of fighting your stallion, I let him run freely to his heart’s content, following his own impulses. Eventually he became fatigued and submissive. It was then no problem to befriend your horse and gain command.”
It is the same with the mind. If we fight and wrestle with the mind, we will never achieve mastery over it. The method to adopt is similar to the wise horse tamer. - let the mind follow its impulses and tendencies without restriction until it becomes ready and willing to accept your authority. Give the mind free reins. Don’t suppress it, merely watch and get to know it. “ (Swami Satyananda Saraswati)