To What Extent

To What Extent?

One of the issues that this writer has had to face throughout his life and more so since learning Yoga and Buddhism is to what extent I should make myself available in assisting other people.

Perhaps it is something that you have had to deal with and reflect on also.

Sometimes people do not wish for any assistance or any discussion about how Yoga and Buddhism may assist them in improving their lives, and such discussion is looked at as not needed or an unwelcome interference in their life and affairs.

Others may seem interested, but feel that they can not do such a thing or that other needs and wishes that they have are more important to pursue.

Some may silently listen in a polite way while not really believing anything that they are being told, while some may even explode in anger at being exposed to such things.

One thing that I have noticed, as other teachers of Yoga have also noticed and seen is that among the vast multitude of mankind, people come and go to Yoga classes and learning and practicing it, and that we can only do so much to assist others in both their learning and practicing of Yoga and in their life also.

Another thing that we want to consider is that in being involved in helping another are we sometimes acting in a way that builds on aspects of our own ego and being that are not at peace or even hindering our own ability to attain peace.

Sometimes it is best to leave a class, student or person behind after one has made a sincere commitment to them because we realize that they are not interested in or capable at this time in their life of making a commitment to Yoga and its practice or just those things that may improve their life.

Some individuals are blind to their problems and the issues that they are facing in their life and as long as their daily needs and sense desires are satisfied, will not make the effort or take the time to work on themselves.

As practitioners and teachers of Yoga we are not social workers or alcohol, drug or marriage counselors, but people who are working for and to a better state of mind and consciousness for both ourselves and others within our immediate environment and context to the best of our present ability and that we are able to.

Sometimes it means that those who we wish to advise, assist and help need to be left alone until they can find their way on their own.

One teacher has pointed out that once an individual has had the seeking seed planted in them through their own effort or the efforts of others, they will eventually come around to a way and path that helps and heals them.

It may not be now or next week or month, but at sometime in the near or distant future.

That is something that those of us who practice and teach Yoga or just wish to assist our fellow man may benefit from remembering.