099. Practice not performance!

Tomorrow marks a significant milestone for us – it's our 100th episode! Be sure to attend the special 100th mission recap with Dr. Zoe Slatoff. It will be an insightful and celebratory episode you won't want to miss. In today's episode, we delve into the practical aspects of the concepts of Shraddha, Virya, and Smriti from Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1:20. These foundational principles are not just theoretical; they are actionable practices that can empower and guide us on our spiritual journey. Jeff aptly compares this to a mini practice of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The first four limbs, being external and actionable, set the stage for the internal limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Similarly, Shraddha, Virya, and Smriti are practices we can integrate into our daily lives. Through consistent practice, these principles guide us towards Samadhi and Prajna. These advanced states of consciousness and wisdom naturally emerge from the disciplined application of Shraddha (faith and tranquillity), Virya (strength and perseverance), and Smriti (mindfulness and memory). It's important to remember that we are not "performing" yoga every day; we are practicing it. This subtle but significant distinction emphasizes our journey's ongoing, evolving nature. It's about showing up daily, putting in the effort, and being present in our practice. Recall those times when you felt deep faith and strength. Bring those moments to mind and let them inspire and sustain you. Hariharanada Aryana refers to this as Smriti Sadhana—the practice of mindfulness and recollection. Join us tomorrow for the 100th episode. Jeff will remind us why we are pursuing this with more insights and reflections as we explore these profound teachings.