Negotiable, Non-negotiable

One of my favorite aspects of teaching yoga is creating a sequence by stringing individual postures together in a particular order, with a given timing to affect a desired result. The desired result could be energetic in nature such as grounding, invigoration, or empowerment, or the desired result could be more specifically physical such as opening the shoulders or hamstrings. Often we learn that the two categories of desired result (energetic and physical) are intertwined. 

Many people who practice yoga prefer to be led through a sequence of poses to free up their minds and focus on breath, (hence public yoga classes led by an instructor). Others opt for a home practice, answering the particular call of their body themselves. There are many advantageous ways to sequence, as well as many disadvantageous ways. Poor sequencing can actually have counterproductive results energetically, inhibit flexibility and even result in injury. Great sequencing can open tight muscles, help balance energy systems of the body, nurture overall health and promote *a state of well being.

Lots of people who embark upon a Hatha Yoga practice seek both physical and energetic benefits. Through work with the body we gain access to something that is more than just physical.  One popular area of the body to focus on are the hips, a region largely responsible for the well being of the low back which is a source of pain for many people. Opening the hips systematically may improve health in the low back thus allowing for greater ease of spirit. It is important to remember though, that regardless of diligent practice there are some non-negotiables in our bodies, and bone structure has the final say. Firstly, we are all built differently from birth. Secondly, circumstances of our lives create the conditions of our physical selves--some can be altered and some can’t. It is self destructive to ignore this truth. *We are not in control of everything. And that can be a relief.

Shifting focus to practical life, much of the sequencing of a day is predetermined: wake up, get dressed, head out, take care of business, do whatever we do, wind down, go to bed. As opposed to: wind down, get dressed, go to bed, take care of business etc. On a larger scale, the sequence of our our live’s paths are somewhat predetermined and otherwise not at all. We are allotted ample creative license, though infinite factors are ever at play often dictating the course of events.

In a forum such as real estate transaction which is intrinsically grounded in logistics during which large sums of money are exchanged for property, familiarity with the standard sequence of events can be a comfort. For instance, in the state of New Jersey (each state is mandated differently) the expected sequence for a buyer goes something like this: attain pre approval for a mortgage, select a realtor, find a desirable house, make an offer on the house in the form of a contract that stipulates certain dates and conditions. If the offer is received, legal representatives of the two parties enter in to an attorney review period to negotiate the terms of the contract, (after which the contract becomes binding based on the agreed upon terms), have a home inspection, negotiate credits depending on the result of the inspection, attend a closing where mortgages are signed off on, payments are exchanged, deeds are received and deals are sealed.

When a sequence of events unfolds seamlessly to the benefit of those involved, it behooves us to pause and revere such a rare life occurrence. In so doing, gratitude may follow. And upon walking in to one’s new home or walking away from one’s old home to embark upon a new chapter of life, proverbial (and actual) doors open and proverbial (and actual) doors close in order for new ones to open. The ethereal and the concrete intermingle; which can help balance energy systems of the body, nurture overall health and promote *a state of well being.

Unfortunately, the sequence of a real estate transaction is frequently derailed by lengthy negotiation periods, legal or financial hold ups, and unpredictable human behavior. It is not uncommon for deals to fall through. The process can be confounding at least and excruciating at most, especially for folks who might strongly favor control.

The art of Hatha Yoga and the utility of real estate transaction can both be distilled to sequence--most things can be if we choose to view them as such, with starting and ending points possible at any time we perceive them as such. Some sequences are self created and some are externally imposed. All sequences are available to be considered as process towards product. In recognizing and acting on the point/s during a sequence where there might be leeway to change course or affect a certain result, we exercise more creative license in our life. We can also recognize the points during the sequence where there is no leeway to change course or affect a certain result. *We are not in control of everything. And that can be a relief.