In some respects, it's an easy book to read. But it's also a difficult text to wrap your mind around, if you start thinking about it enough. And I'm an expert at overthinking things.
It was interesting to me that a text that's supposed to be about a more peaceful way of being in the world is situated in a war. Technically, though, the protagonist of the story--and, by extension, the yogi--is a warrior against his (her) own ignorance.
This month in yoga class we're focusing on Virabhadrasana, or Warrior Pose. If you've ever practiced yoga, you know that Virabhadrasana's a humbling posture: you're balancing, half-squatting, reaching, grounding all at the same time. If you attempt to stay in the post for any length of time, chances are you'll confront your own bodily, emotional, or mental weaknesses. But Virabhadrasana isn't about experiencing pain; it's about rising up out of your own limitations: whatever limitations you have, the pose will reveal them so that they can be addressed. When viewed this way, Warrior can be seen as fighting the good fight, seeking the triumph of spirit.
It occurs to me that being at home with my four month old daughter is a lot like practicing Virabhadrasana. Increasingly, each day, I find myself asking, who am I, anyway, this stay at home mom person? I'm juggling a host of new things that I never really had to juggle before in this particular way (though I had to do them all, I had time away with adult conversation and contact that refreshed me a bit). I'm reaching in ten different directions simultaneously. And I can see my limitations all too clearly.
I'm still a control freak. When N. doesn't want to nap, I feel like my brain is going to explode. When she naps for a long time, I keep orbiting her, trying to figure out when she's going to wake up. I keep my calendar like I did at work, full of things, only to have people cancel or forget or need to change plans. I need to be "busy." And sometimes being busy prevents me from actually enjoying parenting.And yet, at the same time, I have trouble going out of my way to make friends. There are four or five other stay at home moms on the street. I've known them all in passing for a while. So why am I not walking over to these people's houses to ask if they want to take a walk or have coffee? I'm so wrapped up in my solitary routine, needing to be a good one-on-one parent, thinking that I have to play with my daughter Every.Single.Second (I feel guilty doing laundry while she's awake) that I don't build in the kind of relationship-building that I will need if I'm going to do this for any length of time.
I need to remember what the Gita teaches us about acting and not being attached to the result of the action, what we can't control, and giving ourselves the right tools to fight the good fight, against our often stubborn ignorance, against our unwillingness to let the universe unfold as it will around us.
These are good for snacking when you need extra strength to fight the good fight ... and when your access to the kitchen is a little too easy for your own good.
Kale Chips
1 bunch (about 6 ounces) kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
Preheat oven to 300°F. Rinse and dry the kale, then remove the stems and tough center ribs. Cut into large pieces, toss with olive oil in a bowl then sprinkle with salt. Arrange leaves in a single layer on a large baking sheet (I also lined mine with parchment for easy clean-up but there’s no reason that you must). Bake for 20 minutes, or until crisp. Place baking sheet on a rack to cool.
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