The Practice of ~ 3 things

The Scripture ~ And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

The Spiritual Focus ~ “In three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life; it goes on.” Robert Frost

The Devotion ~ Things happen in 3’s. When we practice poses, we speak of finding the pose, refining the pose, and then resting in the pose. In hospitals when massage therapists offer healing massage they speak of each move being done in three parts. The first touch is new, the second is familiar and the third relaxes. This past week, one of Yogadevotion’s instructors taught our group some of what she had learned at a recent yoga conference. It seemed as if everything was done in 3 part sequencing as well. Working with the pattern of 3 was natural, memorable and complete.

In biblical terms the number 3 is one of the most important numbers. The number 3 indicates something solid, real, and complete. Of course we think of the Trinity, but we have many examples where the number 3 appears. 3 disciples, Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration, Jesus ministry lasted 3 years and Jesus was raised in three days, to name a few. We talk about hope, faith and love, body, mind and spirit. 3 represents complete, integrated, relationship.

The scripture today is often used at weddings, emphasizing the fact that 2 is better than one and three is complete, especially if the third invitation is for God to be a part of the relationship.
The scripture is about relationship, community and companionship is better than isolation and self.

If there is one criticism that both yoga and faith practices suffer, it would be that the practice is all about us, the self. The relationship in the Trinitarian God challenges that idea. What we learn about ourselves on our mat, in relationship with God, is for the sake of the world, off the mat. In the faith world, a personal relationship with God is not complete until it is shared with the world. A faith practice and yoga practice that understands the unique relationship of the three pillars, God, self and the world is complete.

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