The Obstacle Course

An obstacle (also called a barrier or a stumbling block) is an object, thing, action or situation that causes an obstruction; a series of problems, events, or  requirements that make it difficult to do something.

I get a lot of people telling me their complications with practicing yoga. These are “things” that get in the way of us doing what we have been told will bring us peace.

If I could just get some sleep. When I get some time. My body aches. I can’t stop thinking. I’m not good at it.

The stuff that gets in my way of being with the Self is usually my tendency to want to do too much. It’s hard to sit and turn into my breath when I haven’t finished my to-do list. What about when I’m busy being busy, exhausted from being too busy or trying to recover from being too busy? It’s hard to sit and turn in with the Self then.

The cool thing about obstacles is turning them into an obstacle course. Can we successfully navigate hindrances over and over again, so that they become well-known, just part of the challenge, part of the game, no longer impediments to inner spaciousness?

“Our tendency to get attached to impermanent experiences causes sorrow, lamentation, and grief, because eventually we are separated from everything and everyone that we love. Our lack of acceptance and understanding of this fact makes life unsatisfactory.” —Noah Levine