What Makes You Come Alive?

As we continue to explore the theme of balance in our yoga practice (and in life) I often turn to nature for guidance.

During this season, nature around us does seem to get quieter, especially as a blanket of snow covers the earth- a reminder of the importance of quiet and rest in our own lives to restore and conserve our energies.

At the same time, there is also a sense of aliveness- the sun sparkling on ice droplets hanging from bare branches, the exhilaration of cold snow scooped up into bare hands, or the crispness of air breathed in on a winter's morning. A reminder too, that we can always find this within ourselves.

Aliveness isn't simply keeping busy or putting in time. It has purpose and meaning- and it makes you feel alive- energized, creative, stimulated, excited. Maybe you're lucky and experience this in your work, inside and/or outside the home. Or maybe it's something else, like spending time with a grandchild, enjoying a physical activity, or engaging in an intellectual or creative pursuit. You don't have to 'be good at it'. I'm far from a great cook, but when I chop vegetables, knead the flour for my bread, or slowly stir a simmering soup, I feel alive in every way- whether the recipe turns out- or not.. :)

Coming to the mat, slowing down the busy mind and cultivating awareness within us is often helpful in bringing forth the passions that are just waiting to be invited into our lives.

We're never too young or too old to dream about what makes us come alive- and then move in the direction of making those dreams come true, even if it's baby steps. What we gain from it, can also be a gift to others, as we offer our joy of life into the world.

This is a quote that says it best:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

― Howard Thurman

What makes you come alive?

Namaste. _/l\_