Why we remember 9/11

In yoga, we often talk about letting go and releasing attachment to concepts such as past and future because the only thing we truly have is the present moment.   So, why do relive painful memories and horrific tragedies such as 9/11? Living a peaceful life doesn’t mean that we disconnect ourselves from reality or practice pain avoidance.  Avidya or ignorance of who we are is the process of veiling that which is being left behind, while awareness moves outward. When the branch forgets that it is the tree, it believes it is independent. That distored belief is Avidya.  Denying death is denying life.

As a country, we surmounted an abominable disaster that took place eleven years ago today.  And while we’ve moved on and continue to live our lives, we were forever changed.   September 11, 2011 is a part of our fabric now as a people, and like the once slashed vine that adapts to over-development, we grow.

We remember out of respect for the innocent, the brave, and the mourning.  We remember out of compassion for our fellow human beings because we know that we are NOT separate.  We all felt pain, and experienced loss, and we all extended love and support.  9/11 is not only an opportunity to pay our respects, but to remember that we are all one.

“A culture that denies death inevitably becomes shallow and superficial, concerned only with the external form of things. When death is denied, life loses its depth.” – Eckhart Tolle

Show your love and compassion however it feels natural to you today — be silent for a moment, cry, write, call a loved one — remember.

With love and in remembrance,  Namaste.

– Your Charmed Yogi

(Photo: Pinterest)