Do away with Lazy in our World
I made the comment is class last week, that I don't think I've ever met a lazy person and afterwards I thought about it more. Though my judging mind loves the concept of Lazy, my calm centered being doesn't understand it. It's such a really un useful reference in the social context that we use it. We in our righteous stance, accuse people of being lazy, implying laziness is bad, and it's somewhat revealing about what is unhelpful in our world.
Are you Lazy, really?
In yoga classes more often then not, I see folk making excessive effort rather than being lazy and I encourage them to be softer, more aware of subtlety. Sometimes what is missing is the intention to be attentive enough to find the right amount of effort. (Maybe that is lazy?) So with respect to yourself, when you rest in your calm centered being and observe yourself what do you hear? If you listen carefully you will generally come to know what the body or mind needs – rest or skillful activity.
I've sometimes experienced yoga teachers that encourage excessive effort (telling us we were 'lazy') – I didn't stay in their classes long.
I remember my best yoga teacher, who taught very strong classes telling me to make less effort. And with time I learnt what he was pointing too. Less effort enabled stronger practice through greater efficiency and lots of focus on right breathing. So, I like to teach students to be self responsible and conscious to determine the time to rest or engage in skillful activity.
So taking these teachings into daily life. Are people really lazy or are they just overwhelmed with the physical and emotional demands of life? Is a person that is working full time, caring for kids, unhealthy and not sleeping well, lazy because they are overwhelmed and cannot seem to find time for exercise and healthy eating? If that's you is it helpful to tell yourself you are lazy? Or could we not be a little kinder to ourself and others, in our encouragement to creating healthier habits. I don't think that is a lazy person, but just someone in need of some 'me' time to gather more conscious intention.
For me it needs to start with conscious intention, not judgement. While there are many pathways (meditation being my favourite) to access conscious intention, in daily life it's just a matter of remembering. Moment to moment making decisions about rest and activity. And yes, you may feel like you need rest, when things need to be done. But taking away judgement and just being present with what you are doing is a good start. You will find rest within activity.
So lets do away with lazy in our world, as a thought, word and deed.. unless lazy can be redefined to be a good thing that gives the opportunity to create conscious intention.
If you want to go into these deeper aspects of yoga, that give you skills to do away with negative views and instead embrace conscious intention, then I invite you to join the 3/ 3.5hr intensives - currently online, until I can be In Person again in Kingscliff and Brisbane.