Birdland Yoga posted on December 12, 2008
Being a freelancer in writing and yoga, it's no wonder that oftentimes I find myself on the "outside looking in", observing how people act and react, like a scientist conducting research (without those credentials of course...just an analogy).
Admittedly, I tend to be oblivious to glaringly obvious things like a) a friend waving to me from the next car over in traffic or b) the fact that you've re-decorated your entire house - a YEAR ago - and it's only just now come to my attention. However, what stands out like an annoying splinter for me are incongruities of nature.
I'll be the first one to notice a young person at the bus stop, sitting on a bench hunched over with a cigarette while half-smiling to a neighbor, thinking that he or she would be much happier if they would opt to sit tall (expanding the lungs) and quit smoking. After all, even ancient Taoists will tell you (well, they would if they were still alive, that is), that improper breathing can result in depression. I can FEEL that person's emotional state from a hundred feet away, in the same way that I will notice an employer averting her eyes when telling a half-truth.
That said, empathy and observation have led me to some interesting holiday conclusions.
Several weeks ago, when on the road and faced with a plethora of holiday shoppers eager to reach their store of choice, I felt everyone's graciousness. Like, "Hey, it's the holidays...Joy, peace and all that..." As they waived you on with a smile, and waited for you to merge with traffic. But, as the holidays loom over us, there seems to be a tremendous shift. It went from "we're all in this together" to "every man for himself, now get the hell out of my way!" *honks car horn*
Somehow, holiday shopping has triggered our survival instincts, and we're all fighting to stay alive.
Well, most of us that is.
More than ever, I've been emphasizing in class the need to remain grounded, offering yoga techniques designed to "root" oneself in the earth and remain connected with that Universal energy.
It seems strange to me, though. I listen to Bing (Did his mother actually call him Bing when he was a young boy? "Bing! It's time for supper!" "No, Bing, you can't keep him. He's the Smith's dog.") singing his rendition of "White Christmas" and wonder if it really was that peaceful then, or were people better pretenders?'
I am also wondering if - with our current economic state - people are reacting more out of fear than impatience, as holiday shopping reminds them of how tight the purse strings are these days?
Just some observations...
~Danielle