A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. - Albert Einstein
The other day as I was cleaning, like the good Virgo that I am, I got to thinking about greater things in my life that I have tried that are beyond simply having a presentable home. What have I done so far in this life of mine? We tend to dwell so much on the things we have not done that we fail to see all that has been accomplished. So here are a few things that came to mind for me:
1. I totally forgot that right out of college I tried out for the Minnesota Opera. Seriously, I had a music minor degree and I knew I would not make it into even a chorus role but I was young and it was a great opportunity. I got professional pictures taken and everything. I did not get a call back but at least I could say I tried. I am sure that the young diva in me said something like, "Their loss, wait until I am famous..."
2. I kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland on Saint Patrick's Day. Yes, I made the hike up the famous castle, let some old Irish guy hang onto me as I bent backwards (my pre-yoga days) and thankfully did not contract any diseases in the process. It is true; I have the gift of gab and luckily a strong immune system!
3. I hung out with actual Welch Rubgy players in Wales. To be real honest, they might not have been rugby players but they were Welch and a ton of fun! I recommend that anyone in college take advantage of traveling abroad - it will change your life.
4. I have roughed it in the wilderness in the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) in northern Minnesota. No phones, beds, or running water. I carried 50 pound packs on my back, canoes, pumped water to drink, and made food over a campfire. It was some of the toughest work I have ever done and also the most satisfying. On one of those trips I also went cliff jumping . Thanks to our fearless leader Nancy for she jumped first to make sure it was safe. It was a total rush and I want to do it again. As much as I love sitting by the beach relaxing, there is something awesome about roughing it.
5. I married a man who respects me and my dreams. He is a generous and compassionate person who has the same desire to do well in this world. He loves his daughters and would lay down his life for any of us. This is a true gift.
6. I completed my first ever triathlon when I was six months pregnant. I remember kissing my husband before the race and he looked at me and said, "Be safe." I knew he was going to be a good dad right at that moment. I crossed the finish line with my friend Jen in under two hours. I recall taking a two hour nap and then we headed down to Murray's Steak house for the famous butter knife steak. Nothing better then earning a fine meal.
7. I bruised my ribs in a boogie board accident in Hawaii. One of the most painful injuries in my recent history but well worth the embarrassing memories (and six-plus week recovery!).
8. I had two natural childbirths. To some this might not seem like much but to those that have given birth - it is a big deal! Thank goodness for yoga and breathing. I am thankful for a strong body and two healthy children.
9. I found a career where when I come home I feel like I have made a difference in my community. I am a role model, a motivator and I hope that people view me as a good person.
10. I moved to Florida before I was 65!
I could go on with more things but the point is to do a quick reflection. This can easily tie into the practice of yoga. Many times we offer a pose to try for participants and a lot of people simply say, " I cannot do that." What we need to realize is that the final look of any pose is always a journey. One person's trikonasana is not another's. There is not one defined way to reach a pose, we each get there at our own pace and with our own abilities. I think that is why I have been so drawn to yoga over the years, there are not absolutes, just suggestions. Like life, yoga is not about what we have not done but where we have been and are continuing to go with our practice.
So, to all of us who are still trying to figure out what we are going to do when we grow up, stop worrying, reflect upon what we have done so far and enjoy the journey. Work and play hard and before we know it, work and play become the same thing. Try that funky yoga pose, go sky-diving (or something outside our comfort zone), hug the ones you love AND hug those that challenge us for they need it, too.
May the light in my heart honor the light in your heart.
Namaste
