© Snow on Pink by Peggy Nolan
Memory is not for recollecting pleasure. It is for creating a fund of experience as a basis for further correct action and behavior…Memory provides foresight for error…Awareness, with discrimination and memory breaks down bad habits, which are repeated actions based on wrong perception, and replaces them with their opposite…
~ Yoga sutra 1.43, as explained by B.K.S. Iynegar in “Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali”
In other words, habits we train are habits we gain. What right action habits are you training?
That is too tough a question for Monday morning! lol
Just stopped by from SITS to say hi; hope you will do the same!
Thanks for stopping by Eva – I returned the favor
Peggy,
I love your photos of snow blossoms–they are so beautiful. As for the quote–how true that memory gives us foresight. I run into this a lot, when I react to a situation exactly as I’ve always reacted and kick myself after the fact! Some habits take longer to un-do, I guess. Have a wonderful week! Jodi
Hi Jodi!
Boy don’t I know how some habits take longer to un-do than others! But once you start retraining some of the harder ones, the ones that seem to be hard wired into every cell, it does get a bit easier!
Ohhh, what a great quote and great thing to think about as the year comes to a close. I remember a post you wrote months ago about “laying new tracks” in our brain where habits are concerned (that was you, right?!), and I think of it often. There are many places in my life for which I’m trying to lay new tracks, and you know what? It’s working!
I second Jodi’s sentiment about that gorgeous photo, too. I love it! (Although it makes me ache for spring already, and winter hasn’t even really started yet!)
Hi Megan,
I’ve been laying new tracks as well…creating new neural pathways…replacing old programs with new ones!
Have an awesome week!
Peggy
Hi Peggy! Well that photo tells me it may be wintery here but it is spring SOMEwhere! Nice to think about that actually. It makes me appreciate how big Mother Earth is!
Great quote! I’m preparing my goal list for winter solstice (you know my program?). All I can say right now is “focus” is always on my list. And I think that must mean its a work in progress.
Hi SuZen!
I did take that picture in the spring…years ago! But like a few of us already, it does make me ache for spring…
Funny…focus is usually always on my list too…maybe more so as a constant reminder
Hi Peggy,
What a beautiful quote and picture! The question you ask is a very powerful one. I have so many right actions that I try to do…I guess the one that is foremost on my mind at this moment is right livelihood.
Hope all is well!
Love and blessings to you!
Hi Nadia!
Right livliehood is a great new habit to train! It is one I am working on as well!
I love the photo!….but the quote I might love more…as it is something I am learning to do on my own, now…
Thanks Jessica! I’m glad the quote held meaning for you!
HI Peggy,
Well that quote is just so….Iyengar. You always can tell when you’re in a class with an Iyengar trained instructor. They’re so EXACTING! Love it. Thanks for posting it and the beautiful photo. My blood pressure just lowered…
xx w
Hi Wednesday!
That exacting precision is what sets Iyengar apart from the other gurus. I love his books – it’s what we use in yoga teacher training. In every aspect, it’s all about alignment
Glad you blood pressure lowered 
I’ve never seen snow blossoms–beautiful, and I love the concept as well! “A fund of experience”….I’ll have to process that new take on memory. I like it. What I hope I’m doing right is to savor each moment–to experience the joy in the good and learn the lessons from the others….I have habits to unlearn but I’m trying to focus on the positive ones and let them fill my bank:)
Hi Joy,
I just LOVED your post today. I read it while I was at work. I’m glad you picked up on the “fund of experience.” That for me was the key part of Iyengar’s explanation of the sutra.
xo
OK what is wrong with recollecting pleasure? I don’t get that?
I thought it was all about balance? Help me understand;)
I’m meditating and when I forget or think I’m too busy I’ll do it later in the day rather skipping the day altogether.
Hi Tess,
You ask such an important question that I need to do a little reading and not respond “off the top of my head.”
I don’t see anything wrong with remembering good times, but in the human experience, we learn more from our mistakes than our successes.
I’m going to respond with another post later this week to answer you most awesome question!
xxoo