De-escalating
by Randy Just
Recently while getting ice cream, I observed the impact habitual reactions can have on a situation. A group of people stood around and inadvertently blocked the payment counter. I maneuvered around them to pay for my ice cream. As I reached behind one of the individuals for a spoon, a woman from the group acknowledged the inconvenience and offered an apology. I reassured her, saying, "No problem." However, to my surprise, another member of the group reacted quite differently, expressing anger and perceiving my actions as disrespectful. Despite their anger, I maintained my composure and repeated, "No problem."
By contrasting the response from these two individuals relative to the same situation, which highlights the subjective nature of our perceptions and beliefs. It is evident that our reactions (based on our own experiences in life) to events are deeply ingrained and often become habitual, leading us to perceive them as an inherent part of our identity. Our reaction becomes our truth. However, through observation and self-reflection, we can begin to recognize the influence of our conditioned responses and more clearly see the situation for what it is. I am sure each and every one of you can cite an example or even describe your own escalated reaction to a situation or event. Something happened that is for sure, but the story we write around that event reflects our habitual escalated response.
Yoga provides valuable insights into understanding human behavior and the complexities of consciousness. By cultivating an awareness of our own reactions and learning to understand and detach from them, we can foster a greater sense of equanimity and avoid unnecessary escalation. While this is very difficult we become an active participant in shaping our responses, rather than being blindly and solely driven by instinctive patterns.
The practice of de-escalation requires us to remain present, compassionate, and open minded, even in the face of adversity. As stated in Sutra 1.33 “Through cultivation of friendliness, compassion, joy, and indifference to pleasure and pain, virtue and vice respectively, the consciousness becomes favorably disposed, serene and benevolent.” - Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, B. K. S. Iyengar
In the words of B. K. S. Iyengar, we find guidance and inspiration for our journey towards de-escalation:
“As the mind becomes more cultured and matured through the practice of Yoga, it gradually moves towards a state of undisturbed silence. In that silence, we discover the inherent wisdom and compassion that resides within us. ”
I offer two translations of Sutra 1.2 from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that encapsulate the essence of Yoga's purpose.
According to BKS Iyengar's translation, "Yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness." This interpretation suggests that through the practice of Yoga, one can learn to still the fluctuations and movements of the mind. It implies that by restraining the constant flow of thoughts and emotions, a state of inner stillness and tranquility can be achieved.
Rohit Mehta's translation in “The Art of Integration” states, "Yoga is the dissolution of all centers of reaction in the mind." This perspective highlights the idea that Yoga enables the dissolution or elimination of the various centers of reaction present in the mind. These centers refer to the tendencies and patterns of conditioned responses that arise in our consciousness. Through Yoga, one can cultivate awareness and detach from these reactive centers, leading to a more refined and cultured state of mind.
Ultimately, the goal of Yoga is to guide practitioners towards a state of undisturbed silence, where they can experience their true nature. This nature is described as joyful, pure, and eternal. Through the art and science of mental discipline embedded in Yoga, individuals can transcend the fluctuations of their thoughts and emotions, gaining deeper insights into the workings of their own consciousness and realizing a greater sense of well-being and self-realization.
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