YOGA NEWS AUGUST 2024
While urban hubs like New York City become ghost towns in August, activity here in the Hamptons explodes. And there aren’t any surge protectors to interrupt or lower the pressure of what I call “too many people trying too hard to have too much fun in too little time.”
The notorious summer traffic backups exasperate visitors who spend more hours on the road than at actual events.
It doesn’t seem fair that you fled urban gridlock only to idle away precious vacation time on Route 27. So we wear ourselves out chaffing against reality, which stubbornly refuses to heed our grumblings. |
Take a step back: The yogis (and the Buddhists) long ago realized that desire is bottomless. We are insatiable. Even if you do get to that event, or tennis game, or yoga class; even if you do snag a coveted parking space at the beach, another desire is sure to pop up. The sun bakes down on the beach, so you need a swim. Then you’re cold and look for a sweater. Then you’re hungry and forage through the cooler. Then you’re sleepy and it’s time for a nap . . . . |
Is there no way out of this endless drive to chase the next pleasure? All yogic paths and most world religions advise us to pause, usually via seated meditation. Here’s a simple way to pause on the go (and yes, I’m aware of the paradox): Tune into what is present right now, wherever you are. Start with physical sensations: |
· Warm, soft sand—or hot summer pavement—beneath your feet
· Sunlight shining down through your windshield
· Cool sea breezes or the steady refresher of your air-conditioner
· The taste of fresh coffee or corn on the cob
· The smell of Cinnabon or Coppertone.
Keep it simple. A few years ago I asked friends to contribute summery beach recipes to a cookbook I was compiling for my mom. My favorite? This one titled “For those who don’t cook…”:
Buy one box of fresh Hamptons’ blueberries from the farmers’ market. Rinse under cold water. Sit on the back porch and try not to eat them too fast . . .
Many of us seek distraction by gathering with other people. Cultivate the ability to be alone without feeling lonely. I do a lot of teaching and a lot of driving during the summer. Cell reception falters through large swaths of my rounds, so I can’t call or text. Instead, I listen to thought-provoking programs on NPR, podcasts, and audiobooks. I’ve rediscovered the soul-soothing practice of chanting with Krishna Das, Shantala, and Wah. |
Yoga invites us to slow down and tune in. A friend aptly dubbed her yoga studio “The Inner Health Club.” I was drawn to yoga in part because it can be done anywhere: no special clothing, equipment, or weather conditions required. Practice can range from acrobatics to breathwork to seated meditation. I encourage us all to resist the urge to add in the stimulus of music, podcasts, and Airpod calls. |
Yoga invites us to reconnect to body and breath, mind and heart. And yes, the mind races like quicksilver—that’s what it does! Befriend it. It’s trying to keep you alive.:) |
Pausing is not as easy as it sounds. Need some help? Gather with others at my group classes, |
which during summer include opportunities to practice in our idyllic local vineyards. Nature always deepens our connection back to self. Private lessons allow you to benefit from the transmission of yoga from an experienced practitioner (me!) directly to you via individualized verbal and hands-on adjustments, easing your inward turn.
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