Intention of Week 7 - Perfecting: Always Be Happy with the Smallest Improvements

Sankalpa - intention

Set an intention, and see what happens.

All ideas have been taken from B.K.S. Iyengar's book, "Light on Life", p.54-61

We often hear no one is perfect, which I know in my case is true, but we all seem to strive for perfection, then are greatly disappointed in ourselves when we fall short of our expectations.
Mr. Iyengar says "Let the goal be to reach Perfection, but be content with a little progress toward perfection every day."  This is a better way to reach a goal, as he says that over ambition can be destructive of sustainable progress.  Sometimes our body is willing, but our mind is weak or sometimes the mind is willing but the body is weak.  We must learn to listen to the body and mind and as B.K.S. says, let the intelligence and the soul make the true decision, for this is where real willpower and dedication is found.

"Long uninterrupted practice of asanas and pranayama, done with awareness, makes the foundation firm and brings success."  This is really the only way to embark on the path of yoga and the path of life. 

The thing I think I took the most from this section is when Mr. Iyengar writes about how practitioners of the asanas alone often forget that yoga is for cultivating the head and heart.  When practicing yoga we need to bring friendliness, compassion, gladness and joy into our hearts.  So, if you fall in headstand, laugh it off, don't be so serious with yourself.  Be dedicated to your practice, but light in your heart.

Namaste.
Pam Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com
plnyogastudio@gmail.com