It is only in the last few years that I have come to understand exactly what it means to say “less is more” and why. Our existence is nothing more than the flow of energy, prana in yoga speak, much like the flow of water in a river. Any disruption or block in the flow spreads out from that disruption causing whirlpools and currents that further disrupt an otherwise uniform flow. The unintended side effect of any disruption is long-lasting and far-reaching.
Let’s look at the river analogy to understand what I am saying. The river, through the flowing water, is interacting with the shore, the river bottom, the outcrops, the air above it – everything that the water touches as well as with the water itself. Everything downstream has adopted to the water flow as it moves past the obstacles. If something disrupts that natural flow, be it a falling branch, a footstep, or a wind storm, the flow is altered affecting a myriad of things downstream, sometimes permanently. If the disruption is strong enough, the entire river path could be changed.
The flow of energy or prana in the human existence is no different. I use the word existence and not body because our energy field is many times larger than our physical body. We feel and react to the emotions of others all the time without actually interacting with the physical body. When was the last time you felt the emotions of another on or off the mat? Whether it is a cold dark cloud surrounding someone, an inflamed feeling of hurt or the bliss of someone celebrating the moment, we react to it all and at some level that change in the energy becomes a part of us.
We react because we are all tied together in an energy matrix of being. No matter how hard we might try, we cannot remove ourselves from this matrix, it is truly a vital part of who we are. We can no more remove ourselves from this flow than can a drop of water decide it no longer wants to be a part of the river.
Once this relationship with the whole is realized, the effect of our actions is brought into focus. Anything and everything we do has the potential to either support the existing flow of energy within which we exist or disrupt that flow. The less we do to disrupt that flow, the more ease, grace, and abundance naturally flows to and through us.
Picture that stereotypical A-type personality. Always juggling 10 different things at one time. Those folks are trying their best to change the flow of energy around them instead of recognizing the flow and going with the energy to achieve what they want. They are fighting against the flow, spinning their wheels, or flailing around in the water with no direction. You cannot navigate a rip current by swimming against it. You have to swim with the flow.
Busy, busy, busy they are living in the monkey mind, that’s all the monkey mind knows. That busy disrupts the flow of energy causing whirlpools and currents that manifest as useless drama, disease, and heartache. That energy flow is not just around each of us, it is who we are. We are energy flowing and interacting with all that is through the manifestation that we call the physical world.
Step outside the monkey mind. Tap into your higher self, that aspect of you that is aware of and interacts with the flow of prana. You are a part of this river of energy, you are flowing with it whether you like it or not. Let go, trust your higher self and embrace it. Do less and take the time to enjoy the ride. Less drama, less frustration, less judgment. More calm, more enjoyment, more awareness of life itself.
Meditation, even a very short one at the beginning and end of each day, helps to tap into that understanding. It reminds the monkey mind to take a seat, to recognize the natural flow of life. Work to expand your meditation to change your perspective. Your higher self knows who and what you are. Trust that knowing so that you are always conscious of who you are and see life from the perspective of your higher self. It takes practice. It takes patience. But most of all it takes the steadfast intention to recognize who you truly are as a child of the Universe.
The energy flow in me recognizes that same flow in each of you. We truly are one, simply seeing the river from different perspectives.
Namaste
Blair is the co-owner of Yoga Daily in Mt. Pleasant, SC. He is a certified yoga instructor, recovering lawyer, and a spiritual student. The content of this blog is what Blair considers to be universal truths that span all dogma and religion and it is offered to you in Love and Light. Check out The Daily Yogi for additional blog entries. You can contact Blair at blair@yogadailymountpleasant.com. Yoga is but one path to the knowing that we are all one. Please take what resonates with you and leave the rest without judgment or offense.