We all have within us a tremendous amount of wisdom and knowledge, it is known as our intuitive mind and yet we often find it hard to connect or trust this wisdom. The mind is so busy with tits internal dialogue of endless messages about life, our problems, feelings etc... This mental commentary that is often running nonstop we are often not even aware that it is there as it is being played out in our unconscious mind. Yet it influences our feelings and perceptions and eventually it creates everything that happens to us.
Becoming aware of this internal dialogue is the frist step in changing the old patterns of thought as we bring it from the unconscious to the conscious mind. Remember the mind does not know if it is real or not, conscious or unconscious. All it hears is the thought
"I am not going to be able to do this"
"This is not going to work"
"I am not good enough"
Etc.........
Imagine if your inner dialoge sounded more like this
"Everyday I am getting Better and better"
"Everything I need is already with in me"
"Perfect wisdom is in my hear"
So as you approach the mat today set an intention to become aware and mindful. Remember that mindfulness, awareness is not about what happens in your physical body, whether you reach an ideal form or shape of an asana, but rather what is happening in your mind.
Mindful ness brings us into the present the present moment where we can begin to accept where we are today, with confidence. As we begin to observe our thoughts and learn to elevate them, we are not repressing them nor get attached to them, we want to notice them and let them go. It is important to not be to hard on yourself as you bring these thoughts from the unconscious into the conscious mind by creating shame or fear but observe with out judgement, and then just allow them to move on thru.
An example I found I use alot as my ankle is still healing, is that instead of referring to it as my bad ankle, I call it my healing ankle. Or when I find that I am under the weather with the flu or some other illness that brings me down, I prefer to look at my body as healing as opposed to focusing on how bad I feel.
I realize that this does not cure my illness or heal my break but it causes a shift in my attitude. You can also apply this to your practice, observing the limiting thoughts that keep you from exploring or trying a new way of being in your body. Your mind may be your biggest obstacle.
As you leave the mat today, my hope for you is that over time you will develop better tools for handling of the life stresses that come with life with grace and ease. Imagine that like the Aborigine people of Australia, that everyone can read you every thought. When a negative thought comes into your mind, and it will as we are all human, acknowledge it without judgement and then simply replace it with a more supportive uplifting and nurturing thought.
Set the intention to remind yourself that everyday in every way you are getting better and better.
With gratitude for the gifts the day has yet to unfold, have a Namaste!