Since birth I have been drawn to ‘the middle way’. A Libra,
and a middle child in a “mixed” marriage, I guess I was pre-disposed.
What is the Middle way?
I guess it depends who you ask.
The phrase “everything in moderation” immediately comes to
mind. It is a favorite saying of mine and many people I know. In general, I
believe it is a healthy adage to live by, but sometimes it is also necessary to be moderate in
ones pursuit of moderation!!!
Buddhism is often called ‘the middle path’ or ‘way’. While
not a Buddhist, I do follow the teachings and writings of many who are. The interpretation that speaks to me is mindfulness; responding to
what is happening in the moment, rather than from dogma, habit, or preconditioned
expectations.
The Buddhist intention: not too much attachment or too much aversion also comes to mind. Awesome intention- but hard to put into daily life!!!!
Yoga also is often perceived to be a middle of the road
practice as well with its emphasis on acceptance and not-attachment. Yet, the
path of yoga can be quite extreme in its requirements, depending on how the
teachings are interpreted. In addition, different styles of yoga often contradict
each other when it comes to alignment or what is recommended on a particular
path of healing. Many of my yoga teachers over the years have been definite
in their beliefs and protocols and yet very few of these wise and well
respected people actually agree on what those protocols are.
This just strengthens my belief in the middle way!!!
Each one
has something brilliant to offer. My job is to listen to my own inner wisdom
and discern which is right for me. That being said, others would say that I am
watering down wise teachings- that in order for transformation to occur you
must you pick a path and stick to it.
Which voice to
follow?
There is a popular Buddhist teaching that says: if two
students are walking down the road- one will be told, go a little to the left
and the other a little to the right. This teaching is a teaching on the middle
way- Both instructions are accurate for
what is necessary in that moment for each individual and include the
recognition that to bring the whole system into balance- what is required in
the moment may not feel like a to move towards centre.
It is common to encounter resistance and uncertainty when we
are asked to change a pattern or a habit. Often the recommended steps feel
quite dramatic or extreme- they feel out of balance. A great example is
learning Tadasana. When most of us first learn how to stand in Tadasana (Mountain
pose) it feels foreign, and off centre- when in reality the sensation is the
body getting used to a new equilibrium.
Knowing that change feels strange-how do we know if an
uncomfortable feeling is an old familiar patterns causing resistance or
something genuinely not for us!!??
Sometimes checking things out with a trusted teacher or friend
can be helpful and necessary.
Ultimately we can develop the capacity to follow our own
inner wisdom by continually returning to the present moment- and checking in
·
pause
·
tune into the surroundings
·
feel the breath
·
feel the body sensations
·
open to the wisdom of the body and the moment
·
rest
The result is a few moments of presence, a brief opportunity
to connect to our own experience within the larger whole.
From here the path may
be clear. In my experience rather than a definitive answer, I encounter a
greater willingness to be okay with uncertainty.
I am more likely to accept the
situation and move forward from a place of curiosity and compassion instead of
doubt and fear: to walk the middle way.
Namaste
Shauna
