Ever wish you could take harsh words back? Do you wonder how you
could have prevented an impending conflict? How could an
argument turn out to be a hidden treasure?
We cannot always use the following principles, we are only
human, but you will see they work. You will also notice that you
can learn from arguments and even diffuse them into mild
disagreements.
Firstly, let's look at the structure of an argument. An argument
is a difference of opinion, and nothing more. It is actually
healthy to listen to outside opinions and learn from them.
Personally, I get tired of hearing my own thoughts and want to
hear fresh ideas. Sometimes you can put a "new spin" on a fresh
idea and come up with a compromise.
Successful marriages, businesses, and governments are all built
on an exchange of new ideas. If someone takes the time to
display a difference of opinion, they actually care for you to
some degree. For example: If you did not care, why would you
bother to open a line of communication? When you do not care for
someone, you look at communication, with him or her, as a waste
of time.
Some of us look at conversation with a 'win or lose" frame of
mind. If we lose, we must "save face," and if we win we must
savor every minute of victory. This is a big mistake to put your
ego in the "driver's seat." The ego will never be guided by
wisdom, it is too busy protecting, posturing, and thinking about
the next victory. Think about your words and how powerful they
are to those who care about you.
So, what does this have to do with Yoga? It specifically has to
do with Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action and is based
upon the universal principles of many religions. Written
teachings on this subject can be found within the Bhagavad Gita.
Living for the ego will contribute to your self- destruction.
Living for more victories and material, will always leave us
feeling a want for more. Look at the incredibly wealthy: Are
they happy or wanting for more? Many of them seem very thirsty
for true love and heart felt gratification.
However, helping your family friends and associates will leave
you feeling gratified, right now. A Karma Yoga practitioner
lives for the higher self and the Supreme Being. Sound familiar?
It should, since it is a universal principle which we have all
been taught.
We cannot always practice understanding, loving kindness, and
forgiveness, but we should try each and every moment of our
lives.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
