Obstacles and how to overcome them: insights from the Yoga Sutra

Namaste,

why do I practise yoga? When do I actually practise? What does it do to me? What does it mean for my life?

The great gift we receive when we consciously invite mindfulness and compassion into our lives is our connection with each other. It allows us to grow together and learn from one another. Time together is incredibly important for this: that can be “practising together on the mat”, an interesting conversation, a shared meditation after a hike, dancing together and much more.
Every day — even if only for a moment — we should consciously put our focus on being together mindfully.

When should we do it?

“I don’t have time” can also mean “This isn’t my priority”

What are the obstacles along this path?

The Yoga Sutra describes them as follows:

In verses 1.30–32, Patanjali offers a great tool: when we’re stuck, the nine obstacles show us where we’re stuck.

1.30. व्याधि स्त्यान संशय प्रमादालस्याविरति भ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्धभूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानि चित्तविक्षेपाः ते अन्तरायाः
vyādhi styāna saṁśaya pramāda-ālasya-avirati bhrāntidarśana-alabdha-bhūmikatva-anavasthitatvāni citta-vikṣepāḥ te antarāyāḥ

“The obstacles on the path to clarity are illness, inertia, doubt, indifference, laziness, craving for pleasure, delusion, the inability to concentrate and restlessness of the mind.”

1.31. दुःखदौर्मनस्याङ्गमेजयत्वश्वासप्रश्वासाः विक्षेप सहभुवः
duḥkha-daurmanasya-aṅgamejayatva-śvāsapraśvāsāḥ vikṣepa sahabhuvaḥ

“Pain, despair, agitation and irregular breathing are the symptoms of this confused state of mind.”

We strive for light and ease, but there are also forces in us that pull downwards, towards darkness and distraction. These forces create friction, and with it, obstacles. Part of us would rather stay in familiar patterns and resists becoming aware. It is the ego, and the subconscious tied to it, that is afraid of change.

Running into these obstacles is a normal part of the path. They become clearer over time, but they will keep trying to get in the way. The task is to develop equanimity and calm, and then to overcome them.

This gives our own yoga practice a completely different meaning. It becomes a way to experience every moment fully and consciously.