We arrive at the fifth of the five Niyamas, Iswara-Parnidhana, which means “worship / surrender to God.”
Well if that isn’t a tricky thing to blog about in 2024, I don’t know what is. Immediately, I start to worry that people with think I’m trying to foist my personal ideas of God on them, or that I think we’re being called to lives that look monastic.
That might result, but it’s a misinterpretation.
Why Are You Doing What You’re Doing?
Without changing a single action in the course of our day, we can instantly achieve the highest goal of yoga, Samadhi: a mind completely clear and free of unwanted thoughts and desires.
If you simply reframe your current activity — the thing you’re doing right now (presumably reading this blog) — as being in service rather than self-serving, you’ve done it. You’re there. Sutra 45 tells us that if we do something fully in service, we gain Samadhi.
Of course, that means releasing any attachment to results that serve us (money, notoriety, even esteem) and pursuing each action purely in service of humankind.
But Yoga is “Mind Science”
I always come back to this. Every time things feel super spiritual, I come back to Patañjali’s own assertion that the practice of Yoga is a science of the mind. So how is this “overtly” spiritual pursuit — service to God by serving others — not religious?
Well… it’s not.
Scenario A : What a chore!
Let’s say you agreed to help a friend pack up their apartment for the movers.
No matter where you live, it’s a big deal to help someone move, but here in New York City (where I am), it’s even bigger. Few of us have cars, so you’re riding a subway to their neighborhood, helping them track down boxes (which isn’t as easy as in other places — trust me, I know), and then finally bubble wrapping and packing so that a Man-with-a-Van whose number you got off a telephone pole won’t break Gramma’s heirloom Hummel figurine.
So, even though you’re glad to help your friend, you are annoyed. It’s sweaty, dirty work. And just shifting a sofa sets off your allergies.
But, still, they’re grateful and now they owe you one!
Scenario B : God is in the Hummel
Now let’s say you’re practicing Iswara-Pranidhana. You fully release the “chore” mentality and embrace the opportunity to be of service to your friend. The dust is a sign of a life well lived for years in the same place. The Hummel is a precious treasure from an ancestor, and lovingly cradling it in protective wrapping is a chance to have momentary contact with that loved one.
There is no pizza after. No drinks. No need, even, for a thank you.
You are being of service to your friend without any expectation you’ll receive anything in return, and every task she gives you is another blessing. An opportunity to train your mind on this act of service.
This may be a spiritual exercise in some way, but it’s really a mental one: actively keeping your energy and attention focused on the purity of your intention. That gives you the mental and emotional freedom to encounter your deepest, thought-less self.
Contemplation
Some images that I came across that might be a jumping off point for your contemplation of Iswara-Pranidhana.
Meditation
In our meditation practice, we detach from a sense of self as we offer our breath to serving others. To your higher power. If we were able to name our deity in last week’s observance of Swadyaya, this week we can name that which we serve: our fellow humans, our Higher Power, the Universe, God.
If dedicating one’s life to service sounds like too much, try dedicating this breath to service. This one. Without any concern for the next breath or the prior.
Practice
Our yoga asana practice is the perfect place to practice our deepest connection to intention. By closely observing and steadying our breath, we can return again and again to anchoring in our dedication and releasing our selfish wants (which can even include being “good” at yoga).
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.
This weekend I spent with my Father-in-Law Papa,(87 years old) and my stepmom-in-law Judy, who is now in a full care facility for dementia.
When she was healthy and in full mind, Judy was a total ball buster. To see her decline rapidly, and need full-time care for everything, is heart breaking. I went to support my Papa, keep him company, and visit Judy. I went with a pure intention of love and support with nothing in return.
The trip’s beauty was that I got a lot in return. The strength, dedication and love Papa shows his wife everyday is incredible. And Judy is sweet and loving even though her mind and body have stopped working. I feel astounded by their resilience and his devotion to her.
Very challenging for me as well in that my Papa can’t hear well, and I have trouble with my speaking voice with spasmodic dysphonia. We did a lot of working together to understand each other, and that definitely brought us very close together. I played the piano for Judy and sang to her. She even whistled a bit to Both Sides Now, and You’ve got a Friend! All the while Papa just held her hand. It was a special time.
That’s so beautiful. I know they were very grateful. I have a similar time visiting with my Mom. It’s a good reminder that they love us being with them, even if the connection has changed.