Inquiry-based Living

During January/February, I assisted/co-taught a month-long Interdisciplinary Teacher Training, led by my teachers, Amba and Don Stapleton, PhD at the Nosara Yoga Institute. I love these trainings for many reasons, but mainly it is the principle of inquiry-based education, and what it inspires, that brings me back time and time again.

In these trainings and from my own life experience, I am reminded how important it is to bring this process of inquiry, or contemplation, not only to our yoga mats or spiritual practice but also into the totality of our own lives.
For me, when I choose to not make assumptions and to live in this inquiry-based way, I relax into a beginner’s mindset and all of my previously held beliefs can take a back-seat to what I am experiencing *here*now* in the present moment. Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki sums up this concept quite well with his quote, In the mind of the beginner there are many possibilities, in the mind of the expert, there are few. When we can tap into this relaxed mindset, a child-like curiosity or a joie de vivre comes in, and the pressure of having “to know what we know” is removed, allowing us to keep an open mind as we learn or simply experience our day-to-day lives. And, in our exploration, we may find some new wisdom or a new way of being that helps us to grow and better understand ourselves – and the life are meant to live.

Several years ago, in the middle of downtown Manhattan, I had an ah-ha moment when I realized that there are MANY ways to live and be in this world. “Societal norms” is only one and we don’t have to be a slave to expectations – our own or others. Each day presents the opportunity to let go of “our stories” and the past, and to open or listen even more deeply to our own intuitive voice.

This spring, we are exploring the principles of Anusara Yoga and Surfing the waves of Playa Guiones, Cleansing with Raw Foods & Acupuncture, feeling the vibes of luxurious Jamaica and traveling to magical Marrakech, Morocco. By stepping into a new location or situation, it is our intention for these retreats to bring incredible experiences and to open up new ways of living and being in each of us.

In the adventure of living,
~joy

joy@inwardbound.com