Make a case.

You have to build a Body of evidence. Prove to yourself. Conjecture, wishing thinking, hopeful whimsy won’t float the boat. At some point you must face Maya directly, and disprove its hideous case against you.

The ground upon which you can do that facing is your body, and it is the work that asana practice prepares you for. Unleashing vast amounts of stored prana in the body - the fruits of asana practice - is a potential disaster. A practitioner must have a code. Without it the freed up prana is co opted by ego and a trail of tears is sure to follow. The sages in their infinite wisdom mitigated such silliness by establishing the first two branches: check your “selves” before you wreck yourself.

Right livelihood, Yama Niyama - ethical conduct affords us the opportunity to prove that we are worthy. We never weren’t, it’s just that we are experts in deluding ourselves we aren’t.

When the walls come crashing in and the worst of self hatred pays a visit - usually in a most vulnerable moment - you are stable, vital, energized and have all the evidence you need so you KNOW that stability in your bones. Your body. Your form. Your most valued possession and powerful ally on the Path.