What is meant when "From the Archives" is written in a title such as the one above?
Because the Yoga Shakti Blog continues to thrive well into its second decade and because I write primarily about ideas of timeless nourishment, every once in a while I dive into the archive and resurface from among the thousands of essays or posts one worth re-savoring.
Delving into the extensive archive of thousands of essays and posts is akin to embarking on a journey through a treasure trove of wisdom and insight. Each piece carefully crafted and thoughtfully written, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of life, spirituality, and well-being.
With each resurfaced post, readers have the opportunity to re-engage with profound thoughts, rediscover forgotten gems, and perhaps glean new meanings in light of their own personal growth and experiences. This practice of revisiting and re-savoring content not only enriches the reader's understanding but also fosters a deeper connection to the essence of the blog and the profound wisdom it imparts.
Thus, I present to you a slightly updated post from February 1, 2012.
All You Have To Do Is Change Your Attitude | A Lesson from Swami Satyananda Saraswati
A large camel train passed through the desert and arrived at an oasis, where it was to take rest for the night. Drivers and beasts were all anxious to sleep, but when it was time to secure the camels, they found that they were short of one hitching-pin. All the camels were duly tied up, except one. The drivers searched for some means to tether the animal, but none could be found. No one wanted to stand watch all night and lose the night's sleep. Yet at the same time the drivers did not want to lose the camel.
After some thought, one of the drivers had a good idea. He went to the camel, took the rope and carefully went through all the motions of tethering the animal to a pin — an imaginary pin. Afterwards the camel was bedded down, convinced that it was securely bound, and a good night's rest was had by all.
The following morning the camels were released. Everyone made ready to continue the journey, except one camel. It refused to get up. The drivers cajoled and coaxed, but the beast would not move. Eventually one of the drivers realized the reason for the camel's obstinacy. He stood before the imaginary hitching-pin and went through all the usual motions of untying the rope and releasing the animal. Immediately afterwards, the camel stood up without the slightest hesitation, believing that it was now free.
Of course the camel had been free all the time, but it had allowed itself to be convinced that it was bound. It is the same with each human being—he too is always potentially free, but most people allow themselves to be bound by their mental problems and seemingly oppressive responsibilities.
You are really as free as the unpegged camel, yet through conditioning and misconceptions, you think that you are firmly bound. You compare yourself with others, in the same way as the camel did, and automatically believe that you are limited. But you are really free—understand this clearly.
All you have to do is to unhitch, release yourself from your mental problems, the imaginary pin of your bondage. All you have to do is change your attitude.
~~ Borrowed with love from: A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
what does it mean?
This story of the tethered camel beautifully illustrates the profound impact of our perceptions on our lives. Just like the camel, many of us carry invisible chains of self-imposed limitations that hinder our potential and restrict our freedom. The camel's mistaken belief in its constraints mirrors our tendency to perceive ourselves as trapped by circumstances, fears, or societal norms.
The essence of this narrative lies in the transformative power of perspective. It urges us to reconsider our mental frameworks and challenge the validity of our perceived boundaries. By shifting our mindset and viewing our challenges from a different angle, we can break free from the shackles of our own making.
This allegory echoes timeless wisdom found in various philosophical and spiritual teachings. It underscores the pivotal role of the mind in both creating our suffering and unlocking our liberation. Through a shift in consciousness, we can unveil the latent potential within us and dissolve the illusory barriers that hold us back.
Ultimately, this story serves as a poignant reminder of our innate agency and resilience. It encourages us to embrace the inherent freedom that lies within us, urging us to recognize and harness the power we possess to transcend limitations and shape our own destinies.
On changing Your attitude during the Pregnancy Journey
The metaphor of the "unpegged camel" serves as a powerful analogy for pregnant people navigating the journey of pregnancy and labor. Both these experiences bring forth a myriad of emotions such as excitement, fear, and uncertainty.
Delving deeper into this metaphor unveils layers of significance that can resonate with pregnant people at various stages of this transformative process.
Pregnancy: Letting Go of Fear and Worry
Pregnancy can bring a sense of being "bound" by fears about the future, concerns about the baby’s health, or feelings of inadequacy as a mother. The image of the camel tied down by imaginary constraints mirrors the ways in which pregnant people might feel bound by societal expectations or personal insecurities. Like the camel, a pregnant person might feel tethered to these worries, unable to relax and fully experience the beauty and power of the pregnancy.
However, just as the camel was never truly tied down, a pregnant person may come to realize that these fears, while real in feeling, are largely mental constructs. By "unhitching" from these mental constraints, they can begin to feel freer, more empowered, and more capable of trusting their body and the natural process of pregnancy, allowing themselves to embrace the beauty and strength inherent in the pregnancy journey.
Labor: Overcoming the Fear of Pain and Loss of Control
As labor approaches, the fear of pain, loss of control, and uncertainty can loom large. Pregnant people may feel constrained by these apprehensions, inhibiting their ability to fully engage with the birthing process. By reframing labor as a natural and powerful phenomenon, akin to the camel breaking free from its ties, a pregnant person can shift their perspective and approach the experience with a sense of empowerment. Practices like mindfulness and surrendering to the body's wisdom can aid in releasing the tension and fear that often accompany labor, enabling one to navigate this phase with a greater sense of agency and trust in their bodies.
Trusting the Process and One's Own Strength
Central to both pregnancy and labor is the theme of trusting in the body's innate wisdom and strength. One may underestimate their resilience and capacity to endure the challenges that come with childbirth, akin to the camel falsely believing it is bound when it is, in fact, free. By fostering a mindset of self-belief and trust in the natural processes unfolding within them, one can tap into their inherent power and navigate these transformative moments with a newfound sense of liberation and confidence.
In essence, the metaphor of the "unpegged camel" encourages one to release themselves from the mental constraints of fear, doubt, and uncertainty that often accompany pregnancy and labor. By embracing their inner strength and freedom, one can approach these profound experiences with a deep sense of empowerment and self-trust, paving the way for a transformative and empowering journey into motherhood.
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