Quieting the Mind (As If!)

One of the first concepts I was introduced to in yoga was the idea of quieting the mind. As the instructor described the act of “quieting the mind,” the mere suggestion incited as many running thoughts in a single moment as possible: What does she mean, ‘quiet the mind’? Do I have that ability? Is it something learned or intuited? Why can’t my mind shut down, and for that matter, shut up? Does it ever? Is there something wrong with me? Am I still talking? Stop! How long do we have to do this? Stop!

This concept is probably the single most difficult thing about yoga in my humble opinion, quieting the mind. I find it harder than holding one-legged downward facing dog for five breaths, harder than half moon, and even Chaturanga Dandasana. I’m better at it now, as I have learned to let go of the pressure to cease all thoughts. Now, I calmly listen to the music, if provided, or I pay close attention to my breath. Inhale, exhale, and if a thought creeps in, well so be it. I honor the message and allow it to visit momentarily before I allow it to simply pass. Inhale, exhale, I listen to my body and my unconscious thought: there’s a pain in my right knee—was I pushing myself too hard to day and not honoring my limitations? The pain in my right shoulder is creeping up again, time to visit my acupuncturist.

The moral of the story is this: Honor thy body and mind, and know that all thoughts will not cease. Pay close attention to the unconscious thoughts that eek through. You never know when an important message is trying to break through to the surface.