There are three causes that help us integrate lessons we are taught: a qualified teacher, an awakened mind, and supportive circumstances.

Sometimes, I think I only have one of those at a time. When I think of a “qualified teacher” I think of people I respect or who are years ahead of me in their skill. But teachers are in the people I actively ignore, who frustrate me, and annoy me, or hurt me too–and I always need reminding of that.

The inertia of life clouds my brain and I have to make a conscious effort to be present and awake to my circumstances, what I have to get done, and with whom I’m working.

Supportive circumstances, these I think I sometimes take for granted. I have a partner of a lifetime, a dog I would die for, and two cats that turn themselves into blankets for me. When I think of what I’m trying to accomplish in the world…that’s a different matter.

In reality, when I slow down enough to take stock, I have all three all the time.

Think about it for a second: When you think of putting teachings into practices, what is your lifeline?

/This post-series is about trying to anchor my experience by exploring within and reminding myself about what it means to practice “good humaning.” It’s about moving forward imperfectly. To follow this thread in my posts, look for these tags: #NotesFromMyYogaJournal