“Baby girl Wake up and Worry a little less today Be brave and strong Open the doors and receive All the light Let the rays of sunshine come in” ― Jyoti Patel, The Curved Rainbow
I always try to find a lesson where there is one to be learned. Sometimes, it takes a little more effort and clarity of vision to find that lesson, but I know if I search hard enough I will find it.
Last week, my hope mentor and yoga teacher, Olivia, hosted an amazing outdoor yoga and wine event! It was one of those mornings where you are not sure where the weather will end up. The sun was out, but it was cooler than I expected. I was also anticipating a glorious release of stress which had been building up. I have said this so many times so if you do not know this about me, you need to remember this now! I love yoga.
Why? What is so special about yoga? Let me tell you. I have to be able to solely focus on my breath, my posture and my balance. With that concentration, I have the ability (most times) to not focus on other worries. There is a rhythm that you experience – forward fold, breathe, jackknife, step back, chaturunga, upward dog, downward dog. Breathe in, breathe out. The rhythm calms my worries – I work in the present – not the past and not the future. I have Hopeful Hips. In that moment, they are strong, balanced and confidence instilling. They are not a source of worry and angst.
Breathe. Eyes closed. Breathe in, breathe out. My lesson learned was simple. As I lay relaxing in the final stage of the class, my eyes were closed. The warm sun bathed my face and then danced across it as the tree branches created shadows of lightness and darkness. Through my closed eyes, I then felt Hope personified as Breeze blew all the worries away. The message was trust. As sure as the sun will shine again, hope remains!