Think of the last time you pulled into the left lane to pass a big truck. Did you know that was a teachable moment? Rolf Gates suggests as much in his Speakeasy from Wanderlust Colorado last year.
“Your life follows your intention, the way a car follows your gaze. There is that much correlation,” Gates said. “It’s like passing trucks on the road — you’re facing mortality! But in that moment, you just stay with your drishti. What I suggest you don’t do is bring your gaze to the truck.”
In exploring his thesis, You Hit What You Aim At, Rolf describes how this principle becomes palpable on a surfboard when you’re moving at high speeds, and the board seems to move like a magnet to where you place your eyes. It is a process of directing your energy and attention. Doing so — mindfully — means that you are conscious of what you are directing your attention toward. Focus works both ways, though, as the old adage describes, “Worrying is like praying for something you don’t want.”
He continues to explain how:
- To deviate from what you’ve been “taught” to aim at
- To develop your own inner moral compass
- The first 4 limbs of yoga are akin to “cleaning house”
- The last 4 limbs of yoga are essentially meditation
Don’t have enough time to watch the full video? All you need is the audio. Just plug in your headphones and get to listening.