Feelings

Monday, March 14, 2022,

The image shown in today's post is from Disney/Pixar's delightful film, "Turning Red". For those who haven't seen the movie, let me first say that it's one of the best animated films made in recent years, primarily for its non-sugary story line.

The main character learns that she has to keep her emotions (both good and bad) in check; if she doesn't, and she has a strong reaction to something, she instantly morphs into a red panda, and has to hide until she's calm again, when she morphs back into her human form.

While watching the movie, I was impressed by the film in how it showed the merit and values of restraint and self-control (very often, the message shown in children's movies is the opposite of this, and entertainment encourages children to allow their emotions to "flow" and be "free"). In addition to showing the merits of restraint and self-control, "Turning Red" also focuses on the value of honoring your mother and father, and doing whatever they ask you to do without question or argument. Again, most children's movies are about "developing your own thoughts and ideas", and "breaking free from societal norms", etc. so "Turning Red" was a refreshing palette cleanser.

Feelings and emotions are a topic I've discussed a lot and, my general take on emotions and feelings, is that one should view them with indifference; they'll change with the wind, the day, your blood-sugar, your sleep, etc.....feelings and emotions aren't "real". Feelings and emotions come from your mind and, if you're not in control of your mind, your mind will be like a chicken coop with all of the chickens running around loose. Yoga, specifically a meditation routine, will help you keep the chickens in their coops.

Part II

I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. It's 7:06am, and I'm behind schedule. Had a wonderful practice this morning, and I'm ready, and eager, to enter the world.

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