seva journal

Namaste, fellow beautiful creatures!
We’ve just celebrated Independence Day. Naturally, this got me thinking “What is independence?”. As I pondered the meaning of the word and examined it’s personal relevence, I was struck by an idea. I thought how rarely, if ever, I used the term for myself. I mean not really embraced or applied the notion to my own life. Now, I’ve used terms like “liberate”, “free” and “allow”, but “independence? Not so much.
I thought about how my life could be different if I actualized the word- really owned it. What might my life look like, feel like, sound like, if only I gave myself independence?
This is such an important thought to me, especially when I consider how multiple meanings can suit multiple situations. I know, by now you’re thinking “Huh? what’s he talking about?” Let me explain:
If I grant myself true independence, I free myself from layers of self-judgement. I become less uncomfortable in my own skin, muscle and bone. I allow myself the gifts of time, stillness and breath.
Independence from worrying what anyone else in yoga class thinks when I go to the wall, because I just need it.
Independence from thinking the endless litany of “shoulda, woulda, coulda”. I am a perfectionist, especially at work. What if I instead breathed in independence, and focused mindfully at the tasks at hand, not doubting my professional skills.
What if, in each yoga class, I just went to the wall each time I needed to?, What if I give myself independence from fearing I will be a disruption or distraction? What if allowance of my own need for independence gives someone else the idea that they, too, can free themself?
As I ponder these thoughts and ready my life to receive the blessings of learning, I know this helps in my daily yoga. Not just the time spent on my yoga mat, but every-minute-of-every-day yoga. Mindful living, mindful being.
I wish joy and safety to all my fellow creatures, and true independence for us all.
Om, Shantih,
Raven