How big is your ego?

I came across this article on yoga and the ego. Its something we have all experienced in class. I see it all the time as a teacher and it tells me a great deal about the person on the mat, usually that they are always pushing themselves too much, they are very critical of themselves in many areas of their lives and look for approval from others. As a student of yoga when I attend seminars, workshops you can just feel the energy of the egos in the room. When I feel this energy it serves as a reminder that I don't need to take a posture to the extreme to prove to someone else that I can do it. Yoga is for the mind, body and soul; its nourishing, therapeutic,life enhancing. If we want to maintain these qualities in our practice for life then we must put out the fire of the ego.

"Going into your Yoga class, with a competitive mind-set, is not the best of intentions. You will eventually injure yourself. All of us age, and we will not get the same results, from our body, every day. Your body is not a machine and if it were, a machine would show signs of wear too.

A competitive mind-set will bolster your ego and that has nothing to do with Yoga. Your mind, body, and spirit cannot become healthy, when your ego is in "the driver's seat." There is no tranquility, harmony, peace, mindfulness, or loving kindness within the ego. To the ego everything is a perceived threat, to its existence.

Leave your ego at the door, with your shoes, before going into Yoga class.Be courteous to everyone all the time. You are projecting loving kindness and being mindful of life in the present, and practicing the unity of mind, body, and spirit."

Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications