I am about to take on a huge change in my life. One that has me really anxious, worried, and over thinking what will happen. It is hard to change, especially when we get attached to the way things are.
So what is this big change you ask?
You may not think it is a big deal, but I’m going to switch from a PC to a Macintosh computer!
Don’t laugh, it really is going to involve a lot of work and frustration for me. Can you relate?
The struggle with accepting change is tied to attachment. Attachment to the ease and comfort of how things are. Letting go of attachment is a key teaching of yoga and is called aparigraha. It is good to remember that when we cling to something that no longer works, we will never move forward and that what wants to come to us is so great if we just let go.
Last week as I was gearing up to make the change I posted a plea for help and recommendations from my friends on Facebook. The response was really encouraging with many friends offering to help, and one of my students offered me the best advice I’ve received in a long time.
Here was her response: Using a Mac is like yoga- you just have to let go of monkey mind and go on intuition and just play.
It made me laugh because that is the exact same advice I give to students who come to my yoga class. The definition of yoga is the cessation of the mind stuff or chitta in Sanskrit. All of that chitta (noise) in the mind is what causes struggle.
When you step onto your mat the most important thing to remember is to breathe and the focus on the breath will help to tame the monkey mind.
It is important to be in alignment during a yoga class but I feel that following your intuition is just as important. Listen to your body, trust your gut, modify when you need to. Our intuition is always guiding us, the problem is that the mind is so noisy most of the time we can’t hear or tap into our intuition.
And PLAY – yes PLAY on your yoga mat. Yoga should be fun! So don’t be afraid to giggle, dance, and most importantly SMILE when you practice. Life is a lot more fun when we can remember to play.
My students are always my best teachers and I’m so grateful to them for teaching me new things.
My mission is to accept this new change, to quiet all the fear and anxiety in my mind, follow my intuition, and have fun playing with my new computer!
I hope you can bring this same energy to all that you do as well!
p.s. there is still time to sign up for my upcoming yoga retreats! Sedona in February and Paradise in Panama this April
Yes Maria,the cessation of the “chitta” (mind stuff). I remember you talking about that.
Right now I’ve a lot of chitta going on. I’ve had a skiing accident that fractured my right ankle. Getting back down on my matt will be difficult; but, I’m determined to make that happen little by little.
Changes in life can make us anxious. However, the more we tell our brains the positive thoughts to cover up those negative- the closer we come to achievement.
Blessings to you Maria and everyone trying to make changes in their lives.
Kathy Haeuptle
Kathy – Sending some healing vibes your way for that ankle! You can do yoga just by taking breaks throughout the day and focusing on your breath and sending healing breath to your ankle. Your breath is very powerful in healing.
Namaste,
Maria
Hope your ankle heals fast, Kathy! And yes, totally relatable! When you’ve been using a pc all your life and everything you are working on is there, it really is difficult to transition but definitely not possible.
Making a change is a big word, you need a commitment to stick to it. And it’s important that you are happy with your decision. Sending good vibes, all the best!
Thanks for sharing this information. very useful post,keep posting !!
Yogic Therapy near to me
Haha, I really recognize that feeling of attachment!
I changed to a mac a couple of years ago though and never looked back 🙂
Hope you’re happy with your decision to change it.
xo
Cami – http://northernfairytales.dk/
Going from a PC to a Mac was one of the best decisions that I ever made. I love how easy to use my Mac is and it’s a lot more reliable than my Microsoft PC was.
https://www.TheYogaChick.com
Change is hard but truly for the best. We all grow from change and without it we wouldn’t know what’s knocking at the door.
My wife follows your blog and I recently started reading a few articles. This one is went well with what she’s been going through. She attended a 4 week yoga retreat in Costa Rica and ever since has had the itch to give back more. Well she’s started a new company called Yoga is Lyfe (yogaislyfe.com). Lyfe = Love Yourself For Eternity. We’ll be giving back 10% to nonprofits.
Let me know what you think of everything. Would love to hear your feedback!
A great post! Giving up on things has never been easy. You should just let go of your fears and anxieties and it will help you change.