Thursday Thoughts

Respond not React

I don’t know how yoga does it. But each time I practice, I have light bulb-realizations right after. Some are simple like how I need to check in with my body so often during the day,  to loosen where I am clenching. Or even as simple as correcting my slouchy posture.

My realization the other day is big though: I don’t love myself enough. Yup. How so? I realized how I set no barrier between my heart and mind, and my outer circumstances.

In other words, I let everything get to me. I mean, I mastered how to be graceful in handling setbacks at work or at home. But when it is another living soul who is seemingly attacking my peace, I  let my guard down. And internally you guys. I worry. I over-analyze. I over-think. Other people’s impression of me becomes my basis for what I do.

It is strange yet magical, how a series of mindful moves and breathing makes aware of that weight I carry around. The weight of thinking so much of how other people think of me. It is not self-loving. So I let that weight go. 

Now I am loving how it is: I pause, breathe and don’t react. I respond with grace in my mind. It is okay, I won’t let a word or gesture get into this heart of mine. And for the heck of it, most words and gestures are actually meaningless. They are not meant to make you feel bad. 

Does this sound like you sometimes? Then pause. The meaning of words or circumstances are the ones which you give to them.

Don’t think I am kinda persuading you to practice yoga (although it will be great if you will), all I am saying is, for the most part, it feels graceful to respond and not react.

I am loving yoga more and more.