Yoga and the Wisdom of Enough Is Enough

A new day is dawning in America.

As Americans, we are beyond fortunate to live in a land of plenty. We have a plethora of things to not only fulfill our basic food, clothing, and shelter needs, but also more than enough things to indulge our pleasurable wants and desires. (Can you say “binge-watching Schitt’s Creek on NetFlix”, which my husband and I did throughout Thanksgiving week?!) As yogis, though, it’s important to know when enough is enough.

There’s a Chinese saying that goes like this: “Have you eaten to contentment?”

We can apply this sentiment to many aspects of our lives. For example, the distinguished yoga teacher, Donna Farhi, says:

 "The world doesn't really need more people who can bend their bodies into amazing positions. What it needs are kinder, more compassionate, generous people."

As you’re practicing yoga asana, it’s important to know when enough is enough. Remember, yoga is a balance of effort and surrender. One mustn’t overindulge in the effort part. And in terms of building good yoga karma, it really doesn’t matter if you can stand on your head for 20 minutes or put your foot behind your head. Rather, what really matters is that you be kind and compassionate with yourself, so that you can then be even more kind and compassionate with others around you. If anything, be more generous with the ease in which you approach your practice.

Why is this important? Well, according to distinguished Buddhist meditation teacher, Jack Kornfield:

“Our body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care."

In a way, our mortal bodies are a gateway to knowing our immortal selves. When we are feeling good in our bodies, we have more of a capacity to know our true nature, our divine being. When we are not feeling at ease in our bodies, our awareness is stuck in the pain and suffering we’re experiencing.

It’s worth remembering these words from David Simon:

“The same creative force that generated the universe created your body. It is vibrating with intelligence and spirit. It is ultimately sacred and worthy of your love, respect and intention. Take good care of it and it will take good care of you.”  

For sure, the peace and joy we seek starts with us taking care of our bodies. The venerable Thich Nhat Hanh writes:

PEACE begins with each of us taking CARE
                  of our bodies and minds EVERYDAY.

I hope that as you enjoy the holiday season that you will keep in mind, as I am, when enough is enough. Indulge, but try not to overindulge. The benefits extend beyond just you.

AS the holiday season gets busier, I hope you will take short breaks to take care of your body and mind. Here a few of my current micro-habits which have been getting me through:

• Dancing for 5 minutes to a lively ‘get up and dance’ song

• Doing one-minute sprints down the block between my appointments 

• Doing 4 rounds of ‘4, 7, 8’ breathing in the morning before starting my day 

And speaking of “enough is enough”, it looks like the majority of American’s have had enough. For the sake of the entire planet, we can breathe sighs of relief collectively. Yes, a new day is dawning in America. As the old dies off in these coming winter months, I do believe it will give way to an amazing spring awakening for the planet.

May you be happy, …
May you be healthy, …
May you fill just to contentment, …
May you be OK with enough being enough…
May you vibrate with the wisdom and intelligence of the Universe, …
For the benefit of ALL beings everywhere. 

Aloha, with Metta,
Paul Keoni Chun

One of my favorite images from this past month. The simplicity of the ornaments match the simple beauty of Central Park. Truly an example of enough is enough!