Broken Record

I have observed through the years that there is a crucial point in one's yoga practice. I wish I could say this point is loud and clear within our attention leading to a conscious decision – yet for many it is not. Our choices in life are many times driven by our past conditioning, which when confronted with uncomfortable moments can leave us rather helpless in the moment. We respond the way we always did. The present moment becomes nothing more than a repeat performance of the past. Our reactions grow stronger with repetition and we become unconscious to them.

This may sound depressing, and yet it is the truth for many of us. We see obstacles in life as things that hold us back verses opportunities to grow and begin bridging the gap between the life we are living and the life we yearn for.

Journaling can be a very awakening experience because we can go back and see that the same things that are paining us today are the very same things that have been inflicting pain for years. This realization that our minds are like broken records can be the very "slap in the face" that wakes us up! 

The broken record can be challenging to stop. I have found that if I bring present moment awareness to the intense reaction and watch it as an observer instead of identifying with the reaction that the intensity wanes quickly and disappears. There is a sense of peace and accomplishment once the feeling wanes. The second time the reaction comes back you follow the same instruction and something magical happens – the reaction subsides more quickly. After the second time you will begin to see the reaction for what it is – painful conditioning. Then lifting the pin off the broken record becomes easier.