Repetition - gaining insight and meaning with each iteration.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was an astonishingly prolific writer whose work—almost all of which was written in the 1840s—is difficult to categorize, spanning philosophy, theology, religious and devotional writing, literary criticism, psychology and social critique.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century.
An interesting aspect of Kierkegaard's life is that he often used pseudonyms in his writings to explore different philosophical perspectives and engage in philosophical dialogues with himself.
This allowed him to present multiple viewpoints and delve into the complexities of human existence.
According to Kierkegaard, repetition is not merely the mechanical act of doing something over and over again. It involves a deeper process of gaining insight and meaning with each iteration.
In Yoga meditation, we find a parallel to Kierkegaard's understanding of repetition.
Deep practice and repetition are not about mindlessly going through the motions. They involve actively engaging in the specific sequence of Pranayama exercises, meditation, and self-reflection, with the intention of gaining deeper insight and understanding.
It is not simply about mindlessly repeating the same action, but about delving into the depths of our consciousness and gaining deeper insights.
Kierkegaard viewed repetition as a forward movement, contrasting it with recollection, which looks back in time.
Similarly, in the practice of Yoga meditation, each repetition takes us further along our spiritual journey. With each sitting, we have the opportunity to explore our inner landscape, gain clarity, and move closer to a profound understanding of ourselves and our connection to the world.
Furthermore, Kierkegaard emphasized that repetition is not limited to external actions but involves internal transformation as well. This resonates with the transformative nature of any regular contemplative practice.
As we engage in practice and repetition, we undergo a process of personal growth, self-reflection, and integration of newfound understanding into our daily lives.
Each repetition becomes an opportunity for self-discovery, insight, and the cultivation of a genuine and ethical life.
Sometimes it feels like a real slog, so if you're struggling with your own practice be gentle and kind and realize the tremendous value of your practice, even if you don't seem to be getting the results your desire.
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