Chitta Happens

Chitta is the stream of thoughts, emotions, images and impressions that circulate in the mind. This happens. The goal is to change the reel to one that is more positive and peaceful. How we react to chitta and allow it to affect us is the practice of yoga. The practice is what will shape our lives and experiences. The physical practice of yoga brings your chitta to the surface. You will be asked to focus on your breath, relax, surrender yet you will be challenged physically and mentally which may show up as agitation, frustration, anger or exhilaration. What needs to come up for awareness will and using the breath and mind to be present with it will allow for you to better understand how your chitta is affecting your life off the mat. When I teach yoga to kids, I share with them that as long as they are breathing, keeping positive thoughts, and are not causing harm to themselves and others, than they are doing yoga. They sigh with relief that that is all they have to do. I wish it were so easy.

 When I began practicing yoga 9 years ago, my ego and what I have since labeled as “Miss Perfectionist,” were the largest and loudest chitta. I compared myself to others in the room, blamed the teacher for making me move beyond my mental limitations, was angry that I was not in shape and had let myself go, held poses longer than I probably should have because I didn’t want to seem weak, and all of my insecurities surfaced as I felt I would never look like that beautiful, graceful ballerina in the front row. 

Now my chitta goes something like this…

Breathe. Relax. Straighten your spine. Relax your shoulders. Breathe deep through the nose. Did I forget to turn off the phone? I need to call that person back. Go back to my breath. Witness your breath. I am relaxing and creating space and working towards my well-being. Am I doing this pose right? What did she ask me to do? I look to my neighbor and I am fine. Breathe in. Breath out. I need to pay attention but I want to close my eyes. I like that song. I wonder who sings that. Inhale. Exhale. Place no judgment or attachment to your thoughts.

In other words, I am taming my mind by taking deep breaths, trying to stay positive, not react to my circumstances but be intuitively guided. This in turns keeps my practice non harmful to others or myself. Similar to what the kids thought seemed easy, took a while for me to get there and is a continual practice. 

As long as we are alive and have not reached enlightenment, chitta will exist. The goal is to retrain the mind so chitta that can be self-sabotaging is reduced and ignored and replaced with one that is positive and productive.

Namaste!