Obsession

‘Obsession’ has become merely an expensive perfume, whereas in the good old days, it connected us to the persuasions of the devil. “Impelled by evil spirits” was one of Webster’s explanations for being obsessed. Perhaps in becoming modern the devil loses its teeth? Or, has it sunk them into our soft necks where we daub perfume’s vanity?
Be it devilish, or vain, it is time to be obsessed about something; a dream, a cause, a vision, and find some serious teeth to sink into it. The trick is to not be obsessed by an outsider, as in ‘the devil made me do it,’ rather from within. It is the moment to be driven by desires that turn us toward what we love and believe in. We must be obsessed to ‘dream the impossible dream,’ then like Quixote, pursue our Dulcinea, (our sweetness) tilting with every windmill in the way.
We are riding an emotionally and economically desiccated period, and obsession is such an extravagant energy. Like salmon, we have to fight against the river drying up, and persevere to plant eggs and dreams. In times of fear, there is frugality, or vice versa, and in that fear grow moldy questions: “Will I be enough?” “Will I have enough?” “If I fail, will I lose what I have?” With that contraction, failure knocks.
Personally, I’d rather be obsessed than fearful. I’d rather be gnarly with mis-placed courage, than mewly. I’d rather let tears break open my heart of dreams than sit in the dark and hope the devil don’t find me. You?

Asana: Purvottanasana/Front Body Stretch Pose. Sit, bring the feet in, hands on floor by hips, fingers toward the feet. Take a breath, pushing down through palms and feet, lift body up, forming a long bridge head to toe. Make sure shoulders remain over wrists, try to straighten legs, keeping soles of feet down, and head back.

Health Notes: Chest is expanded, wrists and legs strengthened, and we practice rising with brave hearts to meet the world.

Astrology Notes: Aquarians, as a ‘fixed air sign,’ and as natural revolutionaries of the zodiac, when Aquarians commit, they are often obsessed’ They have to be in order to change the world to a better place, which is their desire.

Ayurvedic Notes: In the dead of winter Kapha energy increases in our systems. To counter-act feeling lethargic, dense, and cold stay away from sweet, (not just sugar but wheat) sour, and salty tastes that increase Kapha bulk. Tastes that decrease Kapha are: astringent (leafy greens,) bitter, and pungent, which is why ginger and chili peppers are added to many recipes this time of year.