Ancient Rhythm in Yoga

Often, yogic teachings, and wisdom in general, comes down to stating the overlooked obvious; seeing what was in front of us all along with fresh understanding and greater appreciation..

This week, I want to share yet another lesson from the Colorado Trail, one that you will likely recognize. In a word, this is a story about rhythm, and its absence.

In my most recent trek, day one was entirely out of rhythm: the path was rocky–interrupting cadence–there were lots of people, and we managed to lose the trail for a while. In the words of my son, 

“It felt like a never ending quest to walk three miles,
unsuccessfully, again and again.”

According to the Vedas, the ultimate reality (or God) is characterized as: Satyam, Ritam, and Brihat.  The very fabric of this creation is made up of Truth, Rhythm (or Order), and is Incomprehensible Vast, Brihat.

We can align ourselves with these cosmic forces in many ways; through the truthfulness of our character; through ritualized rhythms (such as tribal dances or regular sadhana), and connecting with spaciousness (physically, mentally or emotionally).

Rhythm abounds; it is present in the face of a sunflower, your heartbeat, and the turn of seasons. And sometimes it blesses the second day of a prolonged trek; when our steps are light, our pace is in sync, the skies are remarkably spacious, and our barring is instinctually true.