mighty mosses

Written by leila smith on February 23, 2019. Posted in Home, Journal

in the third chapter of the yoga sūtra, Patanjali discusses the fruits of settled meditation. he devotes several verses to the effects of refining the attention and the powers or ‘siddhi’ which we might experience. i think about these magical verses as a set of inspirational examples for focussing carefully on the world around us, and the understanding that may arise from this.

III 33 “Anything can be understood. With each attempt fresh and spontaneous understanding arises.” (trans. TKV Desikachar)

in a recent episode of Winter Watch on BBC2, the presenters recommended observing the details in nature, as a way of understanding our place in the order of things. unassuming moss plants might be a good place to start.

“Mosses and other small beings issue an invitation to dwell for a time right at the limits of ordinary perception. All it requires of us is attentiveness. Look in a certain way and a whole new world can be revealed.” Robin Wall Kimmerer

take a look – take a close look – take your time.

you will see a vast prairie of simple, superbly adapted plants.

close examination of an overlooked, commonplace world, is bound to change our understanding of the moss, but also perhaps, of ourselves.

developing a keener perception, balanced perspective and deeper sympathy with the world, is more surely yoga, than the admittedly delightful ability to stand on one leg!