We may be familiar with the Yogic principle of Santosha (contentment), but it is very human to want more from life. How many times have we heard that we should be content with what we have? Now, just take one look around you, and you will notice that people will naturally hoard anything - even during the worst of times.
During a snow storm, it is not uncommon to see someone buy a season's supply of bread. Logical thought tells us that we will not be "snowed in" for the winter, when the forecast indicates two inches of snow. Is this panic buying, impulse buying, or the power of wanting, that drives a person to buy so much and waste it later?
Apparently, squirrels hoard acorns, nuts, fruit, and dried fruit all day, but they are exposed to the elements much more than humans. Squirrels cannot keep track of all the food they hide, so some of it must be lost, or discovered by another squirrel.
We can make the case that a squirrel does not have a complex mind or brain, but when humans copy the same behavior, we must realize that wanting is a powerful and primal driving force. It is true that wanting is much more powerful than having.
Unfortunately, squirrels do not practice Yoga, but we can. We can count our blessings for our friends and loved ones. We can also realize that wanting is a tremendous waste of energy; especially, if we want something to the point of hurting someone else for it. As the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for."
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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