Tag: challenge

The Path Which Makes Us Whole.

At some point in our lives we may question our ability to navigate the path ahead. We may feel overwhelmed, perhaps even fearful – that our choices have been in vain.

As the first light of day breaks through our window, do we bask in its warmth or recoil with dread? Each day we presented the challenge of our circumstances, but we are in no way bound by them. In fact, the only true ‘anchor’ is our reaction.

When His Holiness the Dalai Lama emerged from the mountains into Dharmsala, he did so with purity of heart – holding hope in the place of a harrowing tale.

In spite of the violent political uprising and his subsequent escape through the wind-whipped peaks of the 17,000 foot Himalayan pass – he was free.

“I’m just one human being,” he shares. “but I believe each one of us has a responsibility to contribute to a happier humanity.”

As I look out this morning into the surrounding fields, I think not of limits – rather, only expanse. I think of happiness in the aftermath of courage, autumn walks and the crisp chill in the morning breeze. I think of those who’ve shared their lessons to me; boundless in their affect of service.

And, of course, I think of those gathered here, beautiful souls enriched through connection.

Leaving only one question yet remaining: how can we be bound by that which ultimately makes us whole?

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤️

Within Each Drop of Rain.

There’s a thunderstorm looming over the horizon; it’s fattened, heavy clouds lending their warning for this day.

If you’re still enough, you can feel the changes to the air – as the winds quicken to carry its acrid loam.

Years ago, farmers would listen for these subtleties of change – though nowadays, everything seems ‘automated’.

“Mind the bees,” our neighbor would say. “You know how they get when the weather’s this rotten.”

You see, the bees forage through – in spite of the threat; becoming more determined as a means to that end. Though external factors may at times dissuade, their heart remains…

unwaveringly true.

Several years back I stood in the exact same spot; overwhelmed by the magnitude of what lay ahead. I worried the storms would be greater than I.

Never once could I have believed, that the storms carry gifts within each drop of rain.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

The Blessing of Our Burdens.

When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I remember thinking “well, that’s just great…” I had just celebrated my 42nd birthday, and had ‘big plans’ for the rest of my life. But, then this thing happened – this big, ugly thing – and, I imagined the worst.

I thought in terms of limitations and burden; never considering how something of this magnitude might serve to liberate. But, there it was in all its glory – another life lesson begging audience with ego.

And, I had PLANS – a family to raise, a book to write, a community to grow. How could this possibility fit within that context?

Was I angry? Sure, a little (at first). Though this anger was rooted, I assure you, in fear.

I was fearful of change, afraid of that ever-looming ‘what might happen next’. I feared for those who might soon be impacted, and worried over the weight of their burden.

Though I never consider how they might be enriched; how my slowing down might actually be of service to all.

My pace became more deliberate, as I learned to steady the wobble in my feet. But, in slowing down my world began to change; I began to see that which is often missed. At first, the bark of a centuries-old Elm and a squirrel standing sentry beneath her boughs. My fingers traced circles in the bordered Brook Moss, as I wondered what life might find refuge there.

Each and every path led me closer to ‘home’. And, within each precarious step I found the source of my gratitude.

Life has a way of twisting circles on a dime. Though, we are never bound by circumstances – rather, we are made free because of them.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

The Blessing in Our Challenge.

“This day stinks,” I overheard him grumble. To the left, and holding a half-crumpled cup, was a young man with coffee spilled all over his shirt.

“First the kids, and now this.” he sighed. “I just can’t get ahead.”

I felt for the young man – really I did; stuck in a moment of absolute wrong, while missing all the little things that were right.

Had he looked off to one side, he would have noted a little one with napkins in hand hopeful to help clean up his mess. Or, the young lady behind the counter offering a freshly poured cup to stand in the toppled ones place.

Life happens, my loves – and, sometimes in grand, glorious, sweeping, sloppy messes. In any given moment, we might experience the challenge of a rough day at work, or a fight with our dearest friend. We’ll have upsets with our spouses, children, parents, co-workers. There will be stubbed toes, leaky faucets, financial losses and gains.

But always, we’ll rise up again.

That’s the thing now, isn’t it? Though, how easily we forget – that these upsets are, at best, temporary. And, guess what? They happen to everyone.

As His Holiness, the Dalai Lama once shared with me, “All of us – we are, the same.”

And, even in your worst of times – my darlings, trust…there is a blessing.

It’s only when we’re able to finally calm our mind, that we can begin to see clearly the truth in our life experience.

That is to say, it’s only ever as bad as you think that it is. And, likewise – as wonderfully grand.

Having said that – my darlings, which do you choose?

Finding Peace in Life’s Shakiness: Why Yoga is Good for Everyone.

“Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes of men. Silently and perceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak; and at last some crisis shows what we have become. ”
~ Brooke Foss Westcott

I felt sick during my yoga practice the other day. Well, not so much sick, rather, perhaps …overwhelmed.

You see, I have a debilitating neurological disorder, one that causes me great pain—and, among other things, quite a bit of wobbling unsteadiness throughout my day. I was drawn to yoga, in part, to help alleviate the manifestation of these issues. But, perhaps more importantly, to help maintain a strong sense of ‘inner balance.’

Most of the time, I’m very much at peace with my body, understanding full well how limitations can lead often to our greatest introspection. But, on this night, I must admit, I was experiencing one heck of a spiritual challenge.

Today, I entered my practice with optimism, determined to find grace in my movement through the positions.

Oh, but that mirror—that stupid, full length, wall-to-wall mirror. There’s no hiding from one’s true reflection, is there?

And, as my body started to wobble, and my hands jittered out of control… my mind snickered,

“Oh yeah? And, just what do you think you’re doing here?”

My dears, the mind can be a fabulous partner on our spiritual journey. Likewise, it can often become our stinkiest, and most horribly competitive, of ‘friends.’ And tonight? My mind’s sharp words nearly shattered me.

I felt so out of place—like a stranger standing out in a far off land. How did this happen?

And, just like that, I started to cry.

My yoga teacher, without ever missing a beat, reached out to steady my hand and offer her ‘correction’ (Yoga teachers, I have learned, love correcting things—I swear they must’ve been elementary school teachers in a former life).

I thought maybe she was just being kind, trying to offer a little nudge of support. But, it turns out she was there for so much more.

Just then, she said something I will never forget—almost as if the universe was speaking through her.

I know…hippie weirdness. But, it’s true.

She said,

“I know you’re upset, but you have to keep pushing through. Turn off your brain, and just move. And, whatever you think you’re seeing as ‘weakness,’ is actually a testimony to your own personal strength.

For every moment you felt you couldn’t, but did anyway.

For every night you cried yourself to sleep, and yet still woke up with gratitude.

And for every instance you felt yourself lost, but helped someone else find their way…that is what all of this wobbling means.”

Amazing how just a few words delivered at just the right moment have the power to transform the fullest complexity of our being.

So, I think tonight I finally made friends with that silly old mirror—and in doing so, found peace inside the shakiest part of my soul.

You know, I used to think that Yoga was only for the strong, beautiful girls—with tightly toned bodies, and graceful, unencumbered movement.

But, now that I think of it, it’s more so for people like me.

Namaste and many blessings my friends—and may we always be open to these moments of hard-won introspection.

The Challenge in this Broken Mug.

[blockquote source=”Paulo Coelho”]”When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.” [/blockquote]

I saw the first Robins of spring today – perched proudly amongst the highest branches, boldly rejoicing Spring’s final arrival.

And, by the urgency of their loud, lovely trilling, I can only guess – they were desperate for the whole world to share in this, too.

“Get up, get up…she’s here, she’s here…”

My dears, there’s nothing quite as lovely as a Robin ushering Spring.

Imagine feeling this much joy in something so many others take for granted. When something as simple as these passing of seasons, marks the moment of our very own spiritual renewal.

I must admit, I’ve been in such a fog, as of late. You see, my early morning Saturday was shattered by one of my life’s greatest challenges…

And, leaving me in scattered pieces of the me I once used to be…

We want so very much to hide away from these pieces, overwhelmed by the task of pulling them all back into place, once again. But, to be mindful…requires attention, thoughtfulness, consideration…a deeper examination of all that we are and wish to be.

It also requires that we recognize fully all of that which is going on around us.

Blink, and the moment is gone – and with it, the ability to embrace a new truth.

That’s not so easy, now is it? When we feel pain, our instinct is to move our hand from the proverbial flame.

But, even this fire can teach us – and, in these broken pieces, there is a chance to take on new form…

To be…reborn…

When we realize that ‘this cup is already broken’, so to speak – that we, ourselves are already chipped and worn…

My dears, that is the moment when our fear may finally fade. When we recognize the impermanence of it all, then we can settle fully into a deepened appreciation.

The blessing is that we ever had a cup, at all – that we ever had this moment of grace.

The greater challenge is to enjoy this now, while we still have this chance.