Rules of Yoga, Rules for Life

When you know the rules you know how to play the game, right? And yet, as we all know, life does not come to us with a set of rules that work for everyone at every phase of life.

What is a rule, anyway? Many of us bristle at the word “rule” because we think it means something rigid, limiting and ultimately punitive. But over the years I have studied religious communities, many of which follow what is called a “Rule.” In these communities the Rule is considered a ruler, a measuring stick that helps one order their life. For the Christian monastics the members agreed to follow the Rule as a way to live day-to-day and to live together in community.

Over the years of practicing Yoga I have come to see that it has its own rules which can assist in ordering a yoga practice. And because Yoga includes body-mind-spirit, these rules can also be very helpful in ordering one’s life too. So as a new year begins, and perhaps to inspire you to re-commit to your yoga practice, I am starting a series on “Rules of Yoga, Rules for Life.” (Thanks to Kathy P. for the suggestion!)

In this post, I highlight what I think is the most important aspect of practicing Yoga: Have fun! Whether we’re practicing at home or in a classroom, we should enjoy our practice. If we are having fun and our body-mind-spirit are enjoying the practice, we will want to come back for more. It really is that simple.

“Have fun” is a terrific life rule as well. I know, I know that not everything we do in life is “fun.” Over the holidays I spent time with a family member who was hospitalized, and this was definitely not what we wanted to be doing, especially over the holidays! And yet, we had to marvel at our great fortune to have been born in a time and place where a nasty virus could be treated so quickly and easily with fluids, antibiotics, pain meds and rest. Thinking of that makes me very happy (and grateful too).

So this week, please take time to have fun in yoga class. Standing in a balance imagine yourself as the tree, the eagle, or the moon. Holding a challenging plank or down dog, say to yourself with a smile “I am strong.” Then see if you can bring that sense of playfulness to the rest of your life. Because in Yoga as in life, joy is your birthright