Becoming Yogi Scientists. Step 1: Make Room.

The yogis and scientists before us have mapped out much of the terrain. From the East, we have subtle anatomy models of nadis, chakras, granthis, bandhas, vayus, and koshas. From the West, we have hi-resolution images and data of how our brain responds to song, memory, humor , trauma and even our notions of God. As yogi scientists, we can continue the exploration begun over 3500 years ago and contribute.

A map, if not explored, has no meaning. These ideas and images about how the mind, heart, and body work become alive through us.

Often, the difficulty with getting started is that we know it means our demise. Our hypothesis of who we are is much safer if no new data is collected. Even the top scientists are tempted to reject results that do not fit the model. Part of the play in the practices of yoga and science is to allow for the unexpected, open up to surprise, and make room for the contradictions. The difficulty with self awareness is that the self we become aware of is not always the one we had in mind.

A small, simple technique we have been adapting around Lulu Bandha’s, is to replace the word, “but” with “and.” For example, listen to the temptation to say, “You did a good job, but I am unhappy,” or “It’s a beautiful day, but I am wearing the wrong clothes.” This is an attempt to narrow what we feel and think in order to shrink the experience to the knowable. So, the suggestion is to try incorporating the word “and” more often. Let your expressions sound more like, “I love you and I am angry.” “I am happy to be at the beach, and its cloudy.” Perhaps this will start to create more room for the whole experience, and ultimately the totality of you.

Like always, let us know what you find out. We are a sangha of yogi scientists and rely on each other to share our findings.