Today, I want to share a thought about the nature of suffering and how it's often not the pain itself that causes us distress, but rather the duration for which we hold onto it.

Let’s think about it this way: imagine I give you a book that weighs 3 pounds to hold in your hand. At first, it seems light, almost insignificant. But what happens if you hold it for 10 minutes, an hour, or even longer? Gradually, your arm begins to ache, the weight becoming a source of pain and discomfort.
This simple example mirrors a profound truth about our emotional burdens. We all experience hurt and pain; it's an inevitable part of being human. However, the suffering we endure often comes from how long we cling to these hurts.
I recall a time in my own life when I held onto a grievance, a personal betrayal that felt like a weight in my heart. Initially, it was just a flicker of anger and sadness, but as days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, that weight grew heavier. It began to color my outlook, my interactions. It was only when I acknowledged this burden and consciously chose to release it, to forgive, that I felt the weight lift, and my spirit lighten.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: while we cannot always control what happens to us, we have the choice to release the weight of our emotional burdens. The longer we hold onto pain, resentment, or grief, the heavier it becomes, and the more it drains our energy and joy.
As we move forward in our yoga practice and in life, let’s remember this lesson. Let’s acknowledge our hurts, learn from them, and then gently set them down. By doing so, we free ourselves to live more fully, to embrace the present moment, and to find peace and joy in our journey."
"Reflect on a moment in your life where you held onto a hurt or grievance longer than necessary. How did it affect your emotional and mental well-being over time? Now, imagine if you had set this burden down earlier. What positive changes might have occurred in your life and perspective? How can this insight guide your approach to future challenges?"
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