By JACCI GRUNINGER, MS, C-IAYT
Los Alamos
“Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra calls on us to become conscious of our habitual patterns and the residue they leave behind. Repetitive action leaves an imprint. These imprints are referred to as samskaras (pronounced sum-scar-ahs) – Robin Rothenberg.
“They (samskaras) influence the way we think and move, the way we act and breathe and even the basic conditioning of the respiratory system, nervous system, immune function and all the subtle operational systems of the body.” – Michael Stone.
Because of these ruts, habits or tracks, everything we do in this moment is biased by our mental, emotional and physical memories, experiences and interactions from our past.
Typically these biases are only reinforced because we lean into and choose what feels good, comfortable and familiar. We stay away from anything that causes discomfort, distress or dukkha (suffering). Everything from our past influences our present and future and we constantly reinforce our habits.
The good news is that we can change our samskaras. A yoga practice and lifestyle can help us change our diet, movement, sleep, relationship, thought and emotional habits. Negative samskaras can be replaced with positive ones. All we need is time, patience and awareness.
BKS Iyengar uses the metaphor of a still lake that has mounds of our good and bad samskaras at the bottom. Every time something happens that triggers our bad habit and we respond to it, the mound at the bottom of the lake gets bigger. However, if we replace it with a positive habit or thought, the mound gets smaller.
Becoming aware of our patterns or habitual ways of being and doing is the first step in reconditioning and changing our samskaras.
Yoga, meditation and breathwork all support this idea of being aware and awake – they help with the first step in the process.
We do this with practice and the use of our intelligence – BUDDHI MIND or witnessing.
Because yoga, pranayama and meditation often create what we call CHALANA (churning or controlled disturbance) it is a perfect practice for “sitting with” sensation or discomfort and being able to discern between what is real and what is false. If we stay with the moment or the sensation without allowing the mind (and its memory) and ego to intercede, we can begin to fill in the cracks or lessen the mound and change our habits.
Mind and memory automatically make assignments. Intelligence asks questions, inquires and compares. We aren’t looking to necessarily repeat our past but are looking to move forward, grow and release our habitual ways of being, doing and thinking that don’t serve us staying in the present. Intelligence is in every part of our body. If we just pay attention and become conscious, we would wake up.
Intelligence tries to see things as they are without the influence of mind and memory, which keeps us tethered to our old ways.
Ultimately, we are looking for discrimination, the ability to say YES or NO, not just falling back on old habits and samskaras. If you are looking to become more awake and aware, I am here to help.
Jacci Gruninger is a Certified Yoga Therapist, Thai Yoga Massage Therapist, and a Somatic Movement and Therapy practitioner. She regularly helps clients manage the ups and downs of life with yoga, meditation, breathwork, focusing, stretching and bodywork. Her Wellness Center is located at 190 Central Park Square #212. For in person and online teaching schedules and information on other services, visit www.highmountainwellbeing.com.
