Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and philosophy to promote overall health and well-being. It is a holistic discipline that allows us to cultivate physical strength and flexibility, mental clarity and emotional balance.

One of the core teachings of yoga is to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. This principle is deeply rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition from which yoga emerged, and it holds great relevance for our modern times. In this article, we’ll explore what this principle means, why it is essential, and how we can apply it to our lives.

What Does “Cure What Need Not Be Endured and Endure What Cannot Be Cured” Mean?

At its essence, this principle is about learning to discern between what we can change and what we cannot change in our lives. It invites us to adopt a discerning attitude towards our experiences, accepting those that we cannot change while actively working to improve those that we can.

To understand this principle more deeply, let’s break it down into two parts:

Cure What Need Not Be Endured

This part of the principle encourages us to take action to improve the things in our lives that are within our power to change. It reminds us that we need not suffer unnecessarily, and that we have agency to create positive change in our lives.

For example, if we are experiencing chronic pain due to poor posture, we can take steps to improve our posture and reduce our pain. If we are struggling with anxiety, we can seek out therapy, practice relaxation techniques, or engage in activities that help us feel calm and centered.

The key is to recognize that we have the power to improve our circumstances and take action accordingly. We need not simply endure our suffering; instead, we can work to alleviate it.

Endure What Cannot Be Cured

This part of the principle invites us to cultivate acceptance and resilience in the face of challenges that are beyond our control. It reminds us that some things in life simply cannot be changed, and that we must learn to adapt to them rather than resist them.

For example, if we are diagnosed with a chronic illness, we may not be able to cure it entirely. However, we can choose to focus on the things we can control, such as our diet, exercise, and mindset. We can learn to live with our condition in a way that minimizes its impact on our lives and maximizes our ability to thrive despite it.

Similarly, if we are dealing with a challenging life situation, such as the loss of a loved one or a difficult relationship, we can choose to focus on the things we can control, such as our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We can choose to cultivate positive qualities such as compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude, which can help us navigate our circumstances with greater ease and grace.

Why Is This Principle Essential?

This principle is essential because it provides us with a roadmap for navigating the challenges of life with wisdom and grace. It reminds us that we have agency to create positive change in our lives, while also encouraging us to cultivate acceptance and resilience in the face of the things we cannot change.

Without this principle, we may become stuck in patterns of resistance or avoidance, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and stagnation. We may become overwhelmed by our circumstances or feel helpless to change them. Or we may become fixated on things that are beyond our control, leading us to feel anxious, frustrated, or resentful.

However, by embracing this principle, we can learn to approach our experiences with greater clarity, compassion, and courage. We can learn to discern between what we can change and what we cannot change, and take action accordingly. We can learn to cultivate acceptance and resilience in the face of challenges that are beyond our control, allowing us to move through life with greater ease and grace.

How Can We Apply This Principle to Our Lives?

There are several ways we can apply this principle to our lives, both on and off the yoga mat. Here are some key practices to consider:

1. Practice Self-Awareness

The first step in applying this principle is to cultivate self-awareness. This means becoming more attuned to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and noticing when we are resisting or avoiding our experiences.

We can practice self-awareness by taking time each day to check in with ourselves, either through journaling, meditation, or simply pausing to reflect. We can ask ourselves questions such as:

• What am I feeling right now?
• What am I thinking about?
• What behaviors or habits are no longer serving me?
• What can I do to take care of myself today?

By becoming more self-aware, we can begin to discern between what we can change and what we cannot change in our lives.

2. Take Action Where We Can

Once we have identified areas of our lives that we can change, we can take action accordingly. This might involve making small changes to our daily routine, seeking out additional resources or support, or engaging in new activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

The key is to take action from a place of empowerment rather than reactive resistance. We can ask ourselves:

• What action steps can I take to improve my situation?
• What resources or support do I need to make these changes?
• How can I stay motivated and focused on my goals?

By taking action where we can, we can create positive change in our lives and reduce unnecessary suffering.

3. Cultivate Acceptance and Resilience

Finally, we can cultivate acceptance and resilience in the face of challenges that are beyond our control. This might involve practicing mindfulness meditation, engaging in gratitude practices, or seeking out support from loved ones or a therapist.

We can also remind ourselves of our own inner strength and resilience, drawing on the wisdom and teachings of yoga and other spiritual traditions. We can affirm to ourselves:

• I have the strength to endure this challenge.
• I am capable of navigating this difficult situation.
• I have the wisdom and resources I need to thrive.

By cultivating acceptance and resilience, we can learn to endure what cannot be cured and move through life with greater ease and grace.

In Conclusion

The principle of “cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured” is a powerful reminder that we have agency to create positive change in our lives, while also cultivating acceptance and resilience in the face of the things we cannot change. By practicing self-awareness, taking action where we can, and cultivating acceptance and resilience, we can move through our experiences with greater clarity, compassion, and courage. Ultimately, we can use this principle to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life, both on and off the yoga mat.