Smrti

As we move through the 5 qualities of mind that support our yoga path, September brings us to Smrti (smriti.) Smrti is often translated as memory or mindfulness.  It is the practice of re-collecting our thoughts, feelings, and emotions as we transform from being scattered or distracted to being mindful.  It is remembering the practice, the feelings, the mindfulness that often returns us to the practice, as opposed to the ability to simply remember things.  It is a critical piece of the puzzle that awakens the unifying element that is the fruition of our yoga practice.

When we come to the mat, whether to sit, move or both, the intention is to the mindfulness or presence in the practice.  To be awakened to our breath, the sensations of the experience, the thoughts that are within and the emotions that we are feeling during the time in practice are all part of Smrti.  I love the concept of recollecting, as it harnesses all that can be so distracting and unifies it.  We become aware.  We become awakened.  We become present.

This does not mean we will not fall prey to our wondering thoughts and distractions.  We will fall asleep again, but Smrti is there waiting for us to recollect and reconnect.  What is it that you feel in your body during practice?  Is it your body whispering to you, a caution or a deep feeling of ease?  Smrti offers you the mindfulness to be present in each moment as you move, and not in ignorance, habits or demands that often settle us into pattern that form due harm. We become “woke”.

One of the gifts of teaching outside is that in each class we experience differences in the environment.  To be present in the way the ground is shifting, the air is moving, the weather in temperature, humidity, cloud cover, etc are that day, is a wonderful practice of Smrti.  I do see some students that attempt to practice as if they are still on level or firm ground, even though they are not, and yet the environment will shake them to awaken the mindfulness to be present.

Smrti is a mind practice that leads us to be present in the body, the spirit, and the moment.  Let’s see what 30 days of mindfulness awakens in our practice together this month.  Namaste.