Rasas – Disgust & Love

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the essential human emotions known as Rasas and how we can use yogic tools to embrace our humanity and make skilful choices that guide us toward lasting fulfilment and inner freedom. This practice invites us to engage with undesirable and uncomfortable emotions, using them as teachers to deepen our self-awareness and growth.

We focus on the Rasas of Disgust and Love. Vibhatsa, or Disgust, is the feeling of dissatisfaction with oneself or others, often expressed through harsh judgment, criticism, and aversion. Disgust arises from a distorted sense of self, known as Asmita, which creates a false separation between ourselves and others. It can manifest as arrogance or self-loathing, reinforcing patterns of shame, guilt, and resistance (Dvesa), which perpetuate suffering.

The antidote to Disgust is Shringara, the Rasa of Love. Love takes many forms...devotion, admiration, tenderness, compassion...and reminds us of our true nature. Through the practice of RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture), we learn to pause in moments of self-judgment and criticism, making space for healing and self-compassion. This process helps us move beyond aversion and open to the ocean of love that resides within.

We ask ourselves: What disgusts us? Who do we find repulsive? What parts of ourselves do we struggle to accept? By practicing radical acceptance and loving awareness, we nurture the parts of us that feel inadequate or unworthy, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and others.

As Cozolino, an attachment psychologist, reminds us, "It is not the survival of the fittest, but the survival of the nurtured." Lean into the pause where love resides and discover the healing power of compassionate self-inquiry.

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