Objectivity = Love

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day the theme for this month’s Radical Relaxation class is: Objectivity = Love. Last month we discussed the six components of Radical Relaxation:

Deep Relaxation Purification Pratyahara [withdrawal of the senses] Objectivity Integration [harmony body-mind-emotions] Quietude It is the synthesis of all these components that creates the magic, the sense of rest, renewal and inner peace we experience from Radical Relaxation. Last month our focus was Purification and Integration and this month we will focus on Objectivity. Objectivity plays a major roll in the Radical Relaxation process and, in addition to remaining quiet, still and listening to the guidance, it is something we actually contribute to the process. The other components: deep relaxation, purification, pratyahara, integration and quietude happen to us, they are a natural outcome, not something we deliberately do. Our attempts to remain objective, regardless of how successful we think we are [or aren’t], have long lasting effects. Objectivity is something we can practice off the mat to bring integration, relaxation and inner peace into our lives. The Sanskrit term for this spiritual objectivity is Viaragya, which means dispassion or detachment towards the experiences of pleasure and pain that continually arise and pass away.

In Radical Relaxation, our ability to remain objective to the guidance, to any thoughts, emotions, or sensations that arise, is essential to dropping into deeper and deeper states of relaxation. Observing, without opinion or analysis creates a disconnect with the vrittis, repetitive cycles of thought that dictate how we respond to sensory input. Vrittis are a function of memory and samskaras [imprints stored in the subtle body] are based on our biases, or likes and dislikes. These biases dictate our response to everything and everyone. So why does objectivity = love?

Cultivating objectivity is like taking a vacation from all of our judgments and opinions. The constant mental activity of pursuing our likes and avoiding our dislikes uses up all our prana, life force. It prevents us from seeing and accepting things as they really are. Judgments, biases and opinions are divisive and create inner conflict; objectivity is unifying and creates inner peace and harmony. With objectivity, rather than using all our energies to go after pleasure and avoid pain, we become interested in and able to direct our energies towards more uplifting, soul satisfying, healthy and helpful pursuits. Also, it is clear simply from our experience in Radical Relaxation that objectivity helps to still the mind and emotions. It connects us to the state of peace, quiet and contentment within. By developing objectivity we become less identified with temporal and fleeting experiences and therefore more identified with the eternal loving nature of our being. In terms of how we interact with others, there is an element of spiritual wisdom to objectivity. With objectivity we are able to step back from our biases and focus on the bigger picture. We are able to experience the depth of the soul of each other and to focus on that, rather than the demands of the biases of the ego and mind. In understanding what love is, it might be interesting this Valentine’s Day to reflect on the role of objectivity in true love. Love is more than an emotion; it is a way of life. Just yesterday my Bapuji reminded us that he is, as his Spiritual father Swami Kripalu before him, a Pilgrim on the Path of Love. Love is his Scripture, Love is his God and Love is his Path. May we also think, feel and live as pilgrims on the Path of Love!

Jai Bhagwan!

#radicalrelaxation #love #yoga #yogapractice