The romance of a new year is sweet. There is an undeniable force that pulls us back to center and has us reflect on what we value. It may be the Christmas holiday hangover, the silence of winter, or the daily increase of sunlight that inspires us to reconnect with who we are and where we want to be. It seems that this moment of the year the majority of us plug into the present moment with a positive mindset and an intention for growth.
The freshness has us lovingly look life in the eyes again. It’s like the first breath of meditation or the first year with a lover. We see clearly. We appreciate the magic of life. We elevate above our small self, and its deeply ingrained mental patterns, and we plug in to something bigger. Beginnings are favorable as we feel held while we give more effort to be our best self and enjoy whispering sweet nothings of hopes, dreams, and goals for the future.
But, then we forget.
We eat sugar, we miss yoga for happy hour, we stop waking up early... we stop paying attention in meditation (or quit meditating completely!) We lose the sparkle in our lover and get mad at them for not stacking the dishes correctly.
We forget.
We ignore the gift of this fragile and fleeting life.
We miss the point of this amazing opportunity to be a spirit in a body.
It’s normal. We love short term comfort. How are your 2019 intentions on week 3 of the year?
I am not interested in the word resolutions, because there is nothing for you to resolve. Last year, and the last three weeks, were the building blocks to who you are today. Stand back up. You have climbed so far, you have grown so much, and you are stronger than you mind lets you think.
Remember, Patanjali’s invitation: Atha Yoga Anushasanum.
The continual encouragement to step into your best self. The suggestion to take an elevated perspective in every moment of your life to see each experience with more clarity and greater appreciation.
Atha: Now. The ever renewing principle of right now, at this very auspicious moment. It implies that every step of your life has brought you to this very important place.
Yoga: Connection. Embrace the moment with clarity. This is union, balance, and a harmonious state of mind.
Anu: Follows. Or, to go with the grain
Shasanum: Discipline. The work to sharpen your sword of discrimination so you can pierce through the layers of bullshit and remember the point.
Start again now. Fall back in love with yourself and your life. Cuddle back up to life’s unbelievable beauty and see your sparkle reflected in its eye again.
Remind me to do so as well, will ya?!
Love you!