Day 19 | Clearing the Toxin of ‘Othering’

Day by day, we are chipping away at stressors on our body.  Beyond the influence of food triggers, there's often a relentless desire to do more, be more, and have more, which can turn toxic for both our physical and emotional well-being. With awareness and consistent practice, we begin to treat this stimulation junkie tendency and interrupt the toxic cycle by embracing the power of slowing down.  We down-regulate to rejuvenate.  The process may seem frustrating at first — like when I go home to Georgia and I feel like it’s a real slooooow check out situation at the grocery store.  But what if, in those moments of impatience, the problem isn't the other person? What if it's me?

We return to the theme of compassion as we slow down in our yoga practice, and how we relate to people in the world.  With compassion, we cultivate a sense of realness of the other person.   We pull out of projections and preconceived judgments, and we sense who’s there.  Compassion isn't just a passive feeling; it's an active force.  It could be as profound as lending an empathetic ear to someone in distress or as simple as taking a deep breath while waiting in line to pay for my kale, offering kindness (metta) to the person helping me at the Piggly Wiggly.

In a podcast interview on Ten Percent Happier, psychotherapist and author Mark Epstein shared that ‘From a Psychodynamic perspective, the development of compassion is dependent on ones relationship to one’s own inner aggression or inner anger.’  Resolving these internal conflicts and nurturing compassion triggers positive shifts in the brain's neuroplasticity.  Through acts of kindness and compassion, we activate a different part of the brain, an area that is linked to our reward system.  These actions not only enable us to serve others in their moments of suffering but also bring about positive biological effects within ourselves.  Equally important in resolving these inner conflicts is to direct compassion inward to ourselves.

Caring to care is the gateway to compassion.  And it is not to be confused with pity.  Pity is different than compassion and can actually cause harm.  Pity implies hierarchy.  It suggests an unequal footing in a way that says I’m better than you, whereas compassion says, I see you, let me help.  

 

‘We all carry within us our places of exile… our task is not to unleash them on others, but to transform them and to meet them with compassion.’  - Albert Camus

 

Our personal exile often drives us towards an insatiable desire to acquire more, become more, and achieve more. This path, however, can be a solitary journey marked by feelings of intolerance, isolation, and the temptation to disengage or distance ourselves from others. This internal struggle can manifest as a tendency to engage in 'othering' – firmly planting ourselves for and against, but never really together.  Compassion stands out as the essential remedy to reclaim our inner state of connectedness. By embracing compassion, we counteract the isolating effects of our personal exile, fostering a sense of unity and presence. This transformative shift not only rejuvenates our inner world, it also generates a positive ripple effect in our outer world.

In today’s talk, I shared about the profound work of Gregory Boyle who created Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention program in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of LA. This area was once considered the gang capital of the world. Father Boyle, through his unwavering commitment, has courageously shifted the entire landscape of the gang community. What is evident is that he never gives up on anyone. He is tirelessly devoted to helping them to see their goodness.  He is an astounding human. For more insights, watch our on demand video today.  The talk starts at minute 34.

READ

JOURNAL

  • What are some ways you feel connected to others?

  • What are some ways you have or could show compassion?

ACTION

  • Cultivate a breathing practice first thing in the morning and last thing at night.  This can be so simple.  Take 5-10 slow, deep, even breaths.  Possible add-on: Imagine anyone you know who is suffering taking in cleansing breath.

  • Build on your breathing exercise by adding it in at traffic lights and while on your computer.

  • The next time someone is in dire need, instead of asking them what you can do to help, try to think of something yourself and show up in that way.

RECIPE

Carrot Turmeric Soup


Making soup for the week can be a great way to have healthy, easy to prep meals when you are on the go.

I like to make a huge pot of soup and store it in large mason jars like you would find at Erewhon. You get all the goodness at a fraction of the cost.

On Demand - Day 19

I love you, Keep going!

Alex

Ummmm p.s. tomorrow is the most important class to come to!

Saturday - 10:30 AM