ABOUT MAPS AND MODELS

At times we will be leaning in on maps and models to help us create containers of understanding and agreements of communication. We will do this often especially when looking at gross anatomy, subtle anatomy, methods of teaching, sequences, and alignment ideas. Understanding some of the benefits and constraints of these limitations will help us create a feeling of spaciousness.

1. THEY NEED YOU

Maps are designed to guide us and they can just as easily mislead if not approached cooperatively. Maps need your intuition to come alive and be of use.

2. THEY SHRINK THE INFORMATION

Models simplify and shrink information so we can approach it. When different models contradict, it can be tempting to judge one as correct and another as false, or try to make them match. Play with allowing the different models to reveal and tease out new insights waiting to be discovered within you.

3. THEY ARE OFTEN UNSPECIFIED

Rarely can a map give you details of your specific unique journey. Nor will it assure you of a good time once you reach a destination.

4. THEY CAN BLIND

If we become too enamored with a map or model it will be more difficult to see clearly what is actually in front of us. Have you ever found yourself looking at a map instead of where you are going? When the nice woman in the GPS is telling us where to go we pay less attention. Let them help guide, and be diligent with your awareness.

5. THEY CAN WARN

Sometimes a map will indicate that a road can only be traveled during a certain time of year or requires special vehicle features. And sometimes, by looking at a model, we get a new perspective that otherwise would have remained hidden.

6. THEY CAN HELP DETERMINE VEHICLE

Sometimes a map will confirm that you need to travel by air, sea or land. Or perhaps through the physical, emotional, mental or spiritual realms.

When water flows everywhere there is little role for the water in the well. In this same way, after realizing Divine there is little use for the knowledge of the Vedas.

~ Bhagavad Gita, 2.46

7. They Can Reveal New Terrain

Maps can guide towards places we might not have otherwise found, and models can provide new contexts of thinking. If we bring ourselves to the map and models, the directions and symbolism will resonate more clearly.

8. They have a Fresh Stamp

Models and maps that were once useful, will sometimes have an end.

9. We are like a Model and a Map

According to a study published in the Nov. 18, 2010 issue of the journal Neuron, ‘The human mind is very much like a traveler — when it needs to reach a desired destination, it uses a map.’ The brain uses different types of “maps” in order to perform different motor functions. The previous scientific view was that all actions involved the use of a visual map, but the study found that the brain uses a visual map when dealing with external objects and a body map when dealing with self-referential motions. (Source: Daily.Nexus.com)

About our Materials

Our materials for Rishi School, Pantajali’s Yoga Sutras and other sacred texts, physical anatomy diagrams and images, subtle anatomy systems, and our toolkits are all models and maps. All are to be approached with keen open awareness of their usefulness and shortcomings.