Finding my shine

Sept 13, 2016

Today was the day. Everything went well. I was on time, completed my assignments, kept my commitments. I nailed side crow and headstand in Julia's vinyasa class. I found binds where I hadn't before. My forehead found my knee, and then my shin, in janu sirasana. I existed breath to breath. Heard the music but wasn't distracted. Experienced the sensations in my body without reservation.

 I let go of the tightness in my hamstrings and low back. I embraced the shaking in my arms and legs as they grew tired. I created space with each inhale, and moved into that space with each exhale.

With the stress of day to day living, my personal yoga practice often ends up at the bottom of my to do list. It doesn't have a deadline, so pressure or stress to get it done. This is part of why I love my practice. It is there to support me, whenever I need support, and I never feel pressured to get it done. There have been days where I regret not making time to hop onto my mat, and so I roll out of bed at the end of the day and spend a few mindful moments in child's pose. There are days when I am so caught up in my obligations that I eat standing up, or while traveling to my next commitment.

Then there are days like today. Days where I consciously make time to honor myself. Not out of a sense of obligation, but rather a sense of 'treating' myself to a class with a respected mentor. I took time away from what I think that I 'should' be doing and spent 90 minutes on my mat, in my own skin.

IT WAS AMAZING.

As I was driving home, I reflected on these new areas I had found. Where were they before today? How was it that I discovered them?

When I stepped onto my mat today, I dedicated myself to my practice once more. I made the commitment to step onto my mat every day. To be present with my body and mind, free of judgement or criticism. To honor my emotions without justifying them or analyzing them. To clearly think, speak, and act from my true self. To let go of all that dimmed my shine.

I hope that today, you make the time for yourself. Find love for yourself and expand that love to all of our fellow creatures. Set out on this journey to shine the light of your true self out into the world.

In love and gratitude,

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