I read this quote often to yoga students. I don’t want them to think that the point is the pose, or the way your body might change, or anything else you might “get” from practicing.
I have been thinking about it in terms of this frantic election season as well. Sure, either candidate may change things in this country, a little. And I am voting for the one who is more focused on what I feel it is important to focus on. But the next day, November 9th, my life is still my responsibility. Any peace, freedom and the happiness I seek lie within.
Realizing who I am and connecting with that, taps a well of wisdom, answers, solutions, and frankly, Magic, that will affect my life and those whose lives I touch much more than who is president.
We can get distracted, angry, divided and further from the essence of who we are by the flash and fanfare and dramatics of this election, and this world. We can start to believe that the change we desire comes from the outside, by rearranging situations and controlling people — that “if everything was just so, then I could be happy.”
Vote. Then breathe. Feel the moment, feel your energy. Let a minute of stillness bring you back to all that is here right now.
Then get out there and create something good, something uniquely you. Give to yourself and your family the overflow of the love you tap into. Give your time, and the abundant energy you find, to a cause you believe in.
Give to the world your Brilliance.
That’s how things will change for the better.