Also through cleanliness and purity of body and mind (shaucha) comes a purification of the subtle mental essence (sattva), a pleasantness, goodness and gladness of feeling, a one-pointedness with intentness, the conquest or mastery over the senses, and a fitness, qualification, or capability for self-realization. -- Yoga Sutra 2:41After a month of excess and poor health, its time to renew my intention toward the yogic lifestyle. As the sutras say, to purify the mind, one must start with the body. So this week we went through the cupboards and cleaned out the remaining unhealthy food left uneaten and replaced it with healthy natural foods. We started eating more greens and fibers to help wash away all the sweets and fatty foods we ate over the holidays.
It's always amazing how quickly the changes happen and how equally quickly the body feels better. When the body feels better, healthier and has more energy, the mind feels free and clear.
Eating better makes me want to be more active. It pulls me away from a stationary life in front of a TV. An easy life to live, just not very fulfilling.
Moving around more, eating better and having a clear mind, reminds my that my true intention in life is to work to help other feel better. It re-energizes me to serve that purpose in a more committed way.
It's not a resolution, it's renewal of intention. Sometimes we need a little reminder of what we wanted to to and be when we grow up. Luckily, that's why there are holidays and a new year to get us back on track.
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