I suppose Spring is only a few days away. Even though many cities just got hit with what seems like a tundra, the hope that comes with Spring has already arrived. As I scroll through my social media pages, I see the fresh energy that accompanies this season. The bright colors have started to come out of the deep crevices of closets. The need to be outdoors and bask in the sun is bursting in everyone (myself included). What I like to call SPRING FEVER is almost here (I have to warn my boss every year this season that the itch to be outside in the sun is sometimes just too strong).
My favorite part about Spring is the ability to start anew. Throughout the cold winter months, we spend time collecting our resources, stocking our storehouses, and basically preparing for this season of new. Just like that first little flower bud in the tree makes its way to the sunlight outside, we too, are renewed with a spirit of bodaciousness and spunk. There is an air of resilience. We made it through the harsh and cold months. Now, it's time to celebrate our victory. It is during these times of transition that I like to reflect on what really happened the past few months. Where am I? What changes have I noticed within myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Transition plays a very integral role in Ayurveda. It is during this time where our bodies start to change and adapt to what's ahead. We inherently know that something new is about to happen, so we start shifting the way we do things, the way we think, the decisions we make, even if they are in very subtle ways. In my opinion, transition is where the biggest change occurs. And it's incredibly beautiful. It's incredibly beautiful if we are able to hone in on that threshold from old to new and realize the beauty that comes with stepping over that gateway into the next great thing. With the transition of Spring comes the stepping into a fresh new perspective. We literally have the opportunity to shed the weight of winter, and blossom and bud with all that Spring has. There is a lightness that comes with Spring--a stark contrast to the heaviness that accompanies winter. A bounce in your step naturally occurs. It's pretty remarkable. With the transition, it is our responsibility to ourselves that we take care of not only our bodies, but our minds and souls. Take time to reflect on what was and what will be. We are a house of creation; that which manifests in more ways than we can imagine. Here are some reflection questions to think about as you move into the new season with resilience and grace.
0 Comments
I wanted to start a series here where I can feature some of my favorite things with all of you! What point is it to get excited over great products, finds, books, and other amazing things, if I can't share it with all of you! I hope this excites you, as it does me! This week, I wanted to share a book that I am reading. One that really has inspired me to be a more compassionate human being, and share the joy I feel with others (kind of what this little share is all about!). The Book of Joy written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are two of my favorite people. The book leads you through conversations between these two men on the topic of compassion and joy. There are many obstacles that we have to get through as humans that get in the way of us and our true happiness--for example anger and stress. However, it is completely possible to do so. Through various techniques of acceptance and gratitude, we have the ability to move past all of these obstacles into true compassion and joy. Now, I know what you're thinking. Another "spiritual book" that is probably really boring. I mean that's pretty much the M.O. right? Well, truth be told it is completely the opposite. When I tell you that these two men talk as if they are just 2 old guys who have been best friends for decades, that is exactly what I mean. The impactful conversations tied in with the constant laughs share between them makes for a really great read, that will leave you just feeling good. Nothing less but just good. You will feel a deeper sense of connection to the rest of the world around you. I wanted to share a short passage from the book, one of just hundreds that I have shared with my family and friends. I hope you enjoy it. I find them to be more impactful for the world we are living in than ever before. The Archbishop and the Dalai Lama had revealed throughout the week one of the core paradoxes of happiness: We are most joyful when we focus on others, not on ourselves. In short, bringing joy to others is the fastest way to experience joy oneself. As the Dalai Lama had said, even ten minutes of mediation on the well-being of others can help one to feel joyful for the whole day--even before coffee. When we close our heart, we cannot be joyful. When we have the courage to live with an open heart, we are able to feel our pain and the pain of others, but we are also able to experience more joy. The bigger and warmer our heart, the stronger our sense of aliveness and resilience. I hope you trust me on this one, and find the time to pick up the book. I can guarantee it will bring more joy into your own life, even if for 5 minutes.
take the time to nourish your fire, nishita |