Yogic Surrender - It's All About Your Ego

Over the years of practicing yoga, you'll sometimes hear the yogic theme of surrender.

Surrender...

                   ...to the pose.  Ok, fair enough. No problems here.

                                          ...to a higher power. Hmmm...not sure about this one.

It's starting to sound a bit religious, and we don't want to go there. Fortunately, we don't have to.

The whole surrender thing is about ego.

If you surrender, then you are acknowledging that there is a greater power than you (doesn't have to be a specific entity).

The point is, that if there's something greater than you, then your ego is constrained.

You know when the teacher sometimes says to set an intention?

Well, if you set an intention, or dedicate your practice to something - compassion to your fellow man, gratitude that you have the time, health and resources to attend a yoga class, anything really - well the intention or dedication, is something greater than your practice.

By virtue of dedication, your practice is relegated to second position. The thing you have dedicated your practice to is in first position.

This is game over for the ego. And before the game has even begun.

No need to compete. You know the outcome. Ego may as well head to the side lines and sit this one out. Not needed.

This is great for you, as it gives your ego a break and you can just get on with practicing, without the pressure to perform. Try it.

Next time you are invited to set an intention. Give your ego a break.

Dedicate your practice to say grace, and then try to transition gracefully. If you fall out of a pose, have the good grace not to scowl or berate yourself. Gracefully, come back into the pose. It's easy.

And it's good for you. Get your yogic surrender on. CU in class, J.