Truthfulness

"When we are firmly established in truthfulness, action accomplishes its desired end." Patanjali, Yoga Sutras

The second of the yamas, or rules for living, is an obvious one, but tends to be a slippery concept. We all agree that telling the truth is a desirable virtue and yet, how often do we attain that 100% honest mark? In order for these rules to be effective, we need to be sure that we apply them to ourselves before finding success in applying them with others. If you are not honest with yourself, how can you possibly expect to be honest with your spouse, or your kids, or your friends?

Think of a statement that you *think* about yourself nearly every day. Pick an easy one, like "I have got to stop eating so much so I can fit in my clothes" or "I have to get to bed earlier to get rid of these bags under my eyes." Then apply the 4 Questions below and see where it leads you.... Try the exercise again with a tougher question, for example: "I hate my job" or "My family is intolerable." Have fun but be honest!

This theme reminds me of Byron Katie's 4 Questions that you can apply to any statement: Read more at http://www.thework.com/thework-4questions.php

Is it true? (Yes or no. If no, move to 3.)

Can you absolutely know that it's true? (Yes or no.)

 How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?

Who would you be without the thought?

Then turn the thought around to examine it from every angle, especially the exact opposite angle. For example, if you are working with the statement such as "my boss disrespects me," flip it around in order to consider the alternative "I disrespect my boss." Then apply the four questions again.  Another way to investigate this thought is to just flip the verb. For example, "my boss disrespects me" could become "my boss does respect me."

Then find at least three specific, genuine examples of how each turnaround is true for you in this situation. To understand the "turnaround" process, click here: http://www.thework.com/thework-turnaround.php


1. Be sure you read through "prepare for each session" instructions before you begin. Today's practice should take only about 8 minutes.

2. Get comfy in your chair, legs uncrossed, hands resting in lap, take a deep breath as you soften your eyes, meaning: take in your peripheral vision vs. a hard stare, eyelids relaxed.

3. As you inhale lift arms over head, reaching for ceiling, palms may touch, return hands to center of chest (heart center) with palms pressed together. Repeat 3 times

4. With palms still touching, inhale, then with an exhale gently push hands more firmly together, releasing the pressure on an inhale. Repeat 3 times

5. Interlace your fingers so palms face down, elbows pointing away from your body. Gently move elbows away, creating resistance in interlaced fingers. Take a breath and release slowly.

6. Keeping fingers interlaced, straighten arms sending knuckles away from body. Arms should be at shoulder height, parallel to the floor. Breathe and notice the muscles in the your arms and shoulders. If you have flexibility in your wrists, you may want to try turning your palms out, interlaced knuckles facing your body, arms stretching long. Continue to take slow breaths.

7. Release your fingers and bring both hands to your right thigh, fingers pointing to the right, inhale as you sit up tall, shoulders back and spine long. As you exhale, begin to turn your head to look over your right shoulder, continuing the twist through your torso, seat staying planted to chair. Inhale again, using the exhale to twist just a bit deeper. One more breath as you twist, then return to center. Repeat twist to left then return to center once again, hands resting on lap.

8. Push your chair back from the desk about 2 feet. Use an inhale to reach your hands over head once again, exhaling as you slowly lower hands onto knees, hinging at the hips leading with chest toward your knees for a forward fold. Inhale as you slowly lift torso back to sitting upright. Repeat 2 more times.

9. Slide your fingers of both hands under your right thigh, lifting it a few inches from seat. Keeping knee bent and spine straight, use the hands to move the thigh in circles to open the hip joint. Switch direction after 4 or 5 rotations. Rest the right thigh and move hands under left leg, repeating same movement on this side, 4-5 rotations in both directions.

10. Let hands rest in your lap, relaxing your eyes once again, focusing on slow deep breathing, silently repeating: "in" with each inhale, and  "out" with each extended exhale, for at least 10 complete breath cycles. Enjoy your day!