Parvati’s Divine Will
I’m playing with words tonight as I prepare my class for tomorrow morning. Will. This is the word that I’m playing with.
Will (verb): to wish; desire; like.
What do you desire? What are your wishes? We continue to discuss Parvati this month as inspiration. I initially found myself intimidated by her will. The story shared by Sally Kempton on Parvati describes her as an individual with unwavering devotion to her desire. She never loses sight of her desire and seems not to be bothered by the length of time it takes to realize her wish; a desire to commit to Shiva.
What are your desires? Is there something in your life that you will show up for with such devotion?
A few synonyms for will: choice, resolution, decision, determine. One of the greatest gifts of our time is the gift of choice. One of the greatest blessings, and perhaps curses, of our time is the gift of choice. We have so many choices we can become overwhelmed by them. What will you choose? What do YOU desire? Will you make a decision to devote to your desire?
Parvati decides to practice yoga. In this choice she has to say, “No” to her mother. Her mother expresses to her that the practice of yoga is for men. This is when she steps into her strength and power. This is where she becomes known for her will. She refuses to allow obstacles to rattle or limit her.
I chose. I bought an instrument this winter that had been on my desire list for years. I was excited when it arrived, but my enthusiasm quickly wore off when I realized I no longer had the WILL to learn to play it. My desire for other things was much stronger. I am putting it up for sale to clear the space for other desires where my determination leans towards devotion.
From Sally Kempton’s book, Awakening Shakti:
Rumi wrote, “God too desires us. But God’s desire is for us to become God, to realize our identity with the divine. For this, transformative practice is required. Yet this practice will not be powered by egoic will. The will behind it is the will of the universe itself, the pull of the evolutionary imperative, the will of Shakti.”
Wishing you strength and grace in your practices on and off the mat!
Love, Angela
Strength does not come from the physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Ghandi