“The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to simplicity, peace, and poise, to free it from confusion and distress.”
—B.K.S. Iyengar
In a world that often encourages us to accumulate more — more possessions, more accomplishments, more responsibilities — the idea of getting rid of stuff has become increasingly appealing. Lots of us want to be less busy. Minimalism is on the rise, and many people are finding joy in decluttering their homes and lives. But what if we took this concept a step further, beyond our physical surroundings, and applied it to our inner world?
In my yoga classes, I often notice a restlessness in people, particularly during the meditation that begins each class. There’s a subtle but palpable tension, as if sitting still and doing nothing is somehow uncomfortable or even annoying. It’s as if the mind is asking, “Isn’t there something more important I should be doing?”
This is where the idea of finding “peace with conditions” comes into play. Peace doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing state that we achieve once the stars align perfectly. Instead, we can find peace within the conditions of our current situation — whatever they may be. This peace comes from valuing calm and ease, recognizing that these qualities are not luxuries, but essentials for a balanced life.
Imagine the simplicity of just sitting, with no responsibilities tugging at your attention. Notice the pleasantness that arises when you allow yourself to be fully present, free from the constant urge to do or fix something. This is a state of being where you can truly value the calm that naturally exists within you.
During meditation or in the course of everyday life, a helpful practice can be to repeat a word like “ease,” “peace,” or “calm.” This simple act can help anchor your mind and remind you of your intention to connect with your sincere valuing of peace. It’s not about forcing anything or being in conflict with the conditions around you. Rather, it’s about allowing things to be as they are, while choosing to remain grounded in your intention to be peaceful.
When you set the intention to value peace and ease, notice the effect it has — not just in the moment, but in the way it shapes your overall approach to life. You might find that you’re less reactive, more patient, and more attuned to the subtleties of your own experience. Peace becomes not something you chase, but something you cultivate, even in the midst of life’s inevitable challenges.
In yoga, and in life, valuing peace and ease is about embracing simplicity and stillness, recognizing that these states are not just pauses in the action, but essential aspects of our well-being. When we truly value these qualities, we create space for them to flourish, both on and off the mat.
Perhaps you would like to pause and notice the state of your mind in this moment.
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