The Myth of Separation

Been pondering the myth of separation, especially recently in this time when we are so physically separate. It feels like we are apart and cannot see one another, at least here in the UK where lockdown is still very much on, and that feeling can be somewhat oppressive if it gets on top of you, you know?

So what is this myth I hear you ask? Basically, the idea that things are divided and separate from or to each other.  The way we perceive and the layers of conditioning that we each are subject to as human beings leads us inevitably to see difference and division in everything. It is useful to a point, to distinguish and to communicate specifics about this idea or that object, and duality is inherent in language and most thinking, but when this kind of thinking becomes inflexible, it can tip dangerously into imbalance and lead to many of the issues the world faces today, for example, fundamentalism, extremism, polarisation and the inevitable consequences of these: depression, anxiety, hatred, war even. And this takes place on a macro and a micro level, not just nations at war, but individuals at war with themselves, anxious societies holding on for dear life to things and status, depressed nations unable to get out from under that cloud.  Trauma plays it's part too. And we have had plenty of those shocks recently. 
 
Even if it seems like we are though, we are not actually separate at the end of the day, we are all connected, prima facie as living creatures, as part of this planet and universe, we all breath to the same beat, that same pulsating flow of life, and now more so than ever perhaps with all of the means to be in touch and stay connected we have at our disposal, this is true. It just seems to be that we learn to disconnect and separate from ourselves and from others, to get on with the busy task of "doing" life,  and in doing so from the truth that we are not separate. And the disconnect can emotional, spiritual or physical, makes no difference. They're all connected too, all part of the whole. 
 
The good news is that what can be learnt can be unlearnt. How? Well, in many ways, but of course, YOGA is one of them! Yoga is a simple technology we can all embrace to reconnect with our body, heart and breath. And in doing that we can reconnect with truth. No matter what the race, religion or creed, any body can do yoga and there is a yoga for every body.  It facilitates this essential connection to self and the truth of reality, which is just that we are all here in relationship with each other and life, living and breathing. Everything else is just conditioning and layering (which may be good or bad - that's a separate topic itself).

You too can realise this through yoga with a sincere intention and a letting go of any seeking. Just do your yoga and see what happens, as my teacher and friend would say. It might surprise you. Come and try a gentle breath-focussed Yin practice or a more dynamic breath-focussed flow class with us at CG Yoga. Reconnect. We’d love to see you on the mat. Peace. Love. Namaste.

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