10/03/2017
Day 13 of the 30-day challenge, on everyday enlightenment. I sometimes find myself longing for grand, life-changing experiences that radically affect my values and behaviours. Some mysterious shift that will align my energies and actions to live my greatest potential. I am usually in one of those moods when I dedicate myself to a 30- or 40-day practice like this one. And what I always come around to, after the excitement and enthusiasm of the first couple weeks, is an appreciation for how the small work of practicing every day works in bigger ways. The start of a practice does not necessarily turn my life around on a dime, but in some ways it does. Practice creates the space I need for the changes necessary to making those bigger leaps. I continually find it a challenge to stop what I'm doing and make time for practice, but when I do make that time there are perceptible shifts in my energy, focus, and the work I do that day.
Each morning I scoff at the 'chore' of practicing. And each morning I am humbled by the gifts that practice brings me. Whether it is a mantra, pranayama or asana practice, the results are the same: a calmer, happier, clearer mind; a sense of calm in my body; a warmth in my gaze; strength and patience for being with and helping others; and gratitude for everything that has been achieved on this tumultuous little planet of ours.
My heart goes out to all the victims of senseless violence. My heart goes out to those capable of committing such atrocities. May the world be a kinder place, so none are driven to such terrible deeds.
May practice bring peace. May practice create the space we need for bigger change. May practice be that change. Rainbow blessings to you and yours, dear friends.
