Balanced Relationships & inner peace: A Yoga Sutra for Modern Life
At Frequency Movement, we love to share the ancient wisdom of yoga and it’s profound solutions to our humble human problems. Today, let's dive into Yoga Sutra 1.33 by Patanjali, a guiding principle for cultivating tranquility and connection in our lives.
In the hustle and bustle of our modern world - especially if you live in New York- ( s/o: Brooklyn!) ; finding inner peace and maintaining balanced relationships can feel like a challenge. There are so many things that can ruffle our feathers! Whether it's the traffic on the road, the impact of inflation, the most recent headline, or interacting with fellow humans; our attention is constantly drawn towards the surrounding environment. It’s easy to fall into a mental trap and tell yourself, “If just this one thing would change, then I can finally be happy.” When we tell this story, we sell ourselves short of our full potential, hand over the reins of our happiness and surrender our inner agency. To step into our power, we must acknowledge that true happiness is an inside job.
Yoga Sutra 1.33: A Pathway to Peace.
Maitri karuna muditopeksanam sukha dukha punyapunya visayanam bhavanatas citta prasadanam.
In this sutra, Patanjali suggests that we can achieve and maintain inner peace by cultivating specific attitudes towards people and circumstances (keys) , depending on which category of personality they fit into (locks). At any given moment, people fall into a category of: happy, unhappy, virtuous, or immoral. Each type of person warrants their own response. This sutra isn't just about how we feel; it's a call to action. Use the right key with each person and your mind will stay in a chill and serene place.
The keys are as follows:
Friendliness (maitri) towards the happy (sukha)
Have you ever heard the saying hurt people hurt people, or healed people heal people. If we want to have peace of mind, our best bet is getting friendly with the happy and healed people in our lives. These are the relationships that uplift and inspire us towards our highest growth and potential. While it may seem intuitive that we should befriend the happy- let’s be honest… hate is real! Jealousy and greed are undesirable - and completely normal- parts of human nature. We all experience these feelings sometimes. If you’re ever feeling jealous or small when you compare yourself to someone else, take step back and celebrate their success. How amazing is it that this person could receive such a big blessing? Their joy is a gift to the world. The more you can share in that joy, the higher your frequencies expand. Hold the key of friendliness when you meet happy people.
Compassion (karuna) towards those who are suffering (dukha)
Sometimes when we see people going though a hard time, we can be judgmental. Whether it’s your bff who stays stuck in a toxic relationship cycle, or a person with an undesirable life circumstance; empathy is the response that will bring about the greatest inner peace. Sending love and compassion to someone who is navigating the choppy waters of a life is a great way to calm your own inner sea.
Joy (mudita) in the presence of the virtuous (punya)
When you see someone who is a great example of discipline and virtue, celebrate them as an inspiration! Think of the qualities you most admire within them and make a conscious effort to match their energy. By cheering on people who are doing the right thing and living from inspiration, you will attract more of the same to you.
Equanimity (upeksha) towards the morally bereft (apunya) .
Don’t focus on the bad. Don’t share criticism or feedback with someone who isn’t open to learning from your wisdom. It will boomerang back to bite you if they are not ready to receive it. Avoid the haters at all cost. Don’t clap back. Don’t pay them any mind. If someone is living in a way that doesn't align with your values, you have the right to withdrawal your attention as you see fit. Your consciousness is extremely powerful. You energetically feed what you focus on, so don’t let your mind become obsessed with any of the drama. Keep moving forward and do your best to focus on the people, places, and experiences you want to attract more of into your life.
How Does This Apply to Modern Life?
You might be wondering, "How can these ancient principles help me in my daily life?" Let's explore some practical applications:
Finding Joy in the Good: Celebrate the successes and positive qualities of those around you. Know deep in your heart that your blessings are coming in divine time as divine gifts. Remember: God is the ultimate accountant.
Questions for reflection: Did you notice a moment recently when you felt jealous of someone/ something? Why? What did you feel like you were missing at that moment? How could you get what you feel like you are missing? How do you feel when you celebrate the success of others?
Mindfulness and Compassion: Practice observing your reactions to different people and situations without judgment. If judgements arise, ponder their origins. Try to let them go. Have empathy for others and take an extra moment to try on their perspective. Seek to understand. Keep your heart open.
Questions for reflection: What gets in the way of observing this person/situation without judgement? How has judging others served you in the past? How, if at all, are they serving you now? Would you benefit from trying on a new perspective? What would that look like? What prevents you from showing compassion to others and why?
Embracing Equanimity: Strive to remain balanced and centered, regardless of external circumstances. Look for ways to stay peaceful and present by accepting things as they are.
Questions for reflection: Who are some of your role models? Why? How does it feel to watch a hero win? What can you learn from your heroes? How can you delight more in the goodness of the people around you?
Letting Go of Negativity: Release judgment and resentment towards those who may be causing harm. Remember,this isn't about condoning harmful actions, but maintaining your inner peace. What you focus on expands, so direct your energy towards something worthy.
Questions for reflection: What’s behind your need to cling to someone else’s drama? How much of your consciousness is consumed by interacting with, talking about, or fighting against people that you don’t see eye-to-eye with? What would your mental picture look like without the drama?
Integrating Yoga Sutra 1.33 into Your Yoga Practice, or Even Your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
As you embark on your yoga philosophy journey, this sutra offers a powerful framework for personal growth and for guiding all of your relationships: from your housemates, to your family, and even potentially future students. Reflect on how these attitudes can enhance your interactions with everyone around you. If you are a yoga teacher, you can incorporate them into your yoga classes through themes, discussions, or guided meditations.
Yoga Sutra 1.33 provides timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of human relationships and cultivating inner peace. By embracing these principles, you can transform your approach to life, your relationship with yourself and others, and potentially your teaching.
Ready to deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy and its practical applications? Join us at Frequency Movement Yoga School for our upcoming 200-hour yoga teacher training program.