Peaceful Agitation

Trying to be calm creates agitation; instead start with being present with your agitation. 

LIVING YOUR YOGA: The residue of effort is agitation, not calmness. Today on your yoga mat, find the calmness behind the agitation your thoughts create during asana. Attach yourself to this calmness.

How many times have you lain in bed, wide awake, telling yourself to relax and go to sleep? The more you try to relax the more you end up tossing and turning. We are all very aware of the agitation that results from this scenario. Now, there are many things people recommend doing when you can't fall asleep, but try doing this Living Your Yoga next time it happens to you. As soon as you start feeling that agitation of not being able to fall asleep, STOP. Stop everything. Close your eyes, close your ears, stop breathing. Concentrate only on that feeling of agitation. Observe it as it peaks and watch as it slowly begins to ebb. Keep your concentration on the agitation as it gets smaller and smaller and smaller, like a car driving off into the distance. What you will be left with is serenity. Don't focus on this new feeling of peace. Instead, keep your eyes on the horizon, watching the agitation completely disappear.