Ripple Effect

Life throws us curves and often I find when my world is all curvy, so are the lives of others around me. So interesting how we are all connected in some way. I have had a few experiences recently that have really touched my soul, enlivened my heart, and ignited something deep within. Some have roots from 30 years ago and others much more recent. 

Many years ago I had the privilege of interfacing with 3 individuals who stole my heart. Their little beings were so loving and so bright.  My brother, best friend and I spent a lot of time with them during our summers working at the pool. As life took me onward on my own path after college, I lost touch with the three of them as they were quite younger than I was; ten plus years to my junior.  The last time I saw them was 25 years ago when we all mourned the loss of my brother together yet separately in our own sacred way as each relationship is unique. Recently, we all reconnected through social media and it was truly heart warming to learn how our past had impacted them. A few days ago we reunited in person, but this time in the capacity of their sibling loss rather than mine--My best friend, myself and the two of them. 

Holding sacred space as you watch those you care about walk through their version of your darkest hour is so remarkable. It stirs up the muck and opens compassion and love like never before. Being raw….being authentic and laying it all out there….speaking truth rather than the band-aids of the things people think will help. Stepping into the uncomfortable and finding reconnection that runs deep and binds the years lost while being in the comfort of a friendship that has lasted the majority of my life. I am honored and blessed to have her love me through it all and for all these years. She is a saint…my saint.

Along these same lines, connection comes from those we know well and can also surprise you from those we don’t know all that well. Meeting new people often leads to interesting places. Discovering an inner warmth from an essential stranger is quite an interesting journey. When we choose to be humble and brave and decide to lay it all on the table with no smoke and mirrors, when you’re just yourself laid bare….magic happens. There is respect and playfulness. There is inquiry and discovery. There is truth and mystery in the most unlikely of places. As we all know, life is often filled with unexpected twists and turns. When asked 'how are you?’, I answered truthfully. Part of me has is a little ‘Maverick’, as many of you know. I tossed out the truth as a mini grenade as my inner processing over recent events was just beginning. I carelessly threw it out there not really caring what the repercussions were while at the same time I could no longer honestly commit to ‘I’m fine.'  I felt as though I was floating in space.  Peaceful in it, but definitely floating in space. My grenade was caught by someone who is kind and who asked the right questions to ground me although they are unaware of what ‘grounding' means. It is funny how authentic living can be contagious….welcomed. It is refreshingly so pure and invites it from others. 

Yoga is like that…..refreshingly pure. It is so raw, so sweet, so maddening, so challenging, so freeing and so deep. It’s almost impossible to explain to people who don’t practice, that when you get on your mat it’s as though a transformative portal opens up and leads you straight to the Sacred. It is the unseen experience that transforms and heals. The practice is solitary, quiet and introspective. It is its own reward. The beauty is each time I get off my mat, I’m a little bit nicer, a little bit kinder, and a little bit more compassionate. I am warm and fuzzy and fierce. I am a peaceful warrior existing in the humble space of body and breath. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that my world, both inner an outer, has changed since I committed to the discipline and practice of being on my mat. 

Remember, the wisdom of yoga speaks to you and through you beyond the asanas (poses). You feel parts of your body that have remained asleep and disconnected until now. You feel, experience, and acknowledge parts of your life that you have tucked away and so sweetly hidden, wake up. It is as if a fog lifts to invite you to discover yourself,  your soul, God’s directive and hence live deeper into your own truth of who God has made you to be. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to commit to a discipline that truly transforms you body, your mind, and your breath. As a result, it changes you and then changes others around you.  As we await the magical, silent embrace of the snow and this Christmas season, let’s decide to show up—show up for ourselves and be the change we want to see in this world. Our very own ripple effect makes WAVES. 

Get on your mat and be brilliant.  Onward and upward.

Namaste,

Trish