To quote my December blog heading “Change is inevitable, and everything will be alright". Do you resist, when faced with the absolute knowing that things have to change, that you have to change? I know I can dig my heels in, cross my arms and pronounce loudly “no way, no can do, no don’t want to do” (ooh that’s sounding like my scared, lost, uncertain younger self of decades ago!). Sometimes it feels easier to stay stuck, even when that logical, all knowing voice says enough….it’s time, change is needed.
In the last month, the world, our world, as we know it, has been turned upside down and inside out – it’s glaringly obvious that change is coming whether we like it or not. So, we need to take this as an opportunity to delve deep, remove the veils and embrace the unknown, moving ever so slowly or as quickly as the steps need to be towards a new way of being, of living.
Self-reflection, or introspection, means to observe and analyze oneself in order to grow as a person. The best way I know to invite this in is to get to my mat. How we practice on the mat reflects how we live life off the mat. When sitting, lying or standing on your mat practice feeling gratitude for your health and the ability to move your body. Feel love and compassion for all you can do in your practice, and all that you struggle with on any given day. Feel your body enlivened with prana as you move, feel the steadiness and sense of calm with each breath. Be open to new sensations, new realizations and insights. Be aware and allow all of it to be there. Feel your potential, know what has value and what is no longer needed.
We have work to do, but we can cultivate the skills to live a happy and fulfilled life. We have work to do to live with understanding, acceptance and empathy for ourselves, our loved ones, those around us, and those outside of our sphere.
So, begin to self-reflect, begin your journey to awakening, breath by breath….moment by moment on your mat, out in nature, in your sacred space, wherever that may be. Make a change. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”. Mahatma Gandhi