Lessons from Nepal #1 - Open Heart

My husband and I were walking along the lake in Pokhara, Nepal enjoying the views of nature, shops, and people that we saw along the way.  An elderly Nepali man was sitting near the path splitting wood with a handheld tool.  As our path crossed the area where he was working, I became fascinated and paused to see what he was doing.  "Eyes broken",  he questioned as he stopped working.  I was processing his intent and did not respond in words or expression.  A louder and angrier "eyes broken" met my silence.  You could feel the hostile energy as his eyes met mine.  We quickly continued along the path, and I was filled with fear.  At a week into our trip, this was our first day without our guide, and I longed for the ease that came with his guidance and friendship.  We were truly in another world.

Later in the streets near our hotel, we passed an elderly Nepali woman.  Her gray hair was pinned back, she was carrying a bright pink umbrella to shield herself from the afternoon sun, and was wearing a beautiful pink sari.  There was a beauty and grace about her, and I admit that I stared a bit too long.  My eyes met hers and I gave her my warmest smile.  She greeted us with a "namaste", and we returned the greeting.  After we passed, her friendly voice commented, "always smiling, never talking".  Her words stuck with me as we continued on our way.

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." - Rumi

We all hold some sort of barriers.  I believe that every interaction can be a lesson.  Both of these encounters point to some of my personal barriers.  Caution and reserve are my protective bubble, and they are driven by fear and shyness.  They are a barrier to experiencing love and friendship.  They can close relationships before they even start.  Would the man have responded differently if I had said, namaste, may I watch you work?  Maybe, and maybe not, but his words can be a lesson and a gift. 

I found most of the people in Nepal to be open, loving, kind and giving.  I have new friendships that I will treasure forever.  It is also glaringly obvious that as a personal practice, I must begin to enbrace these qualities.  My meditation, my yoga practice, and my daily life will focus on breaking down barriers and finding an open heart.  Very often, what you give is what you get.  Give what you seek, and it will return to you.

  "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, 
and the life of the candle will not be shortened. 
Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha

Happiness and love are contageous.  Take a few moments to ponder each of your interactions (even the negative ones).  They are a gift, and contain lessons that will help you find what you seek.  Each day, share a little more and watch the beauty that unfolds.

Namaste - Beth 

Yoga Away from Home

If you're like me, consistency in your practice is a vital part of overall well being.  Maintaining a practice while I'm away from home helps me stay grounded and centered.  Here are a few ways that you can keep up with your practice.

1.  Explore a new studio while you're on vacation.  This year I've visited Crossroads Yoga in Corpus Christi, TX, Fine Spirit in Ithaca, NY, and The Yoga School  in Ithaca, NY.  I've introduced 2 people to the practice of yoga while enjoying a variety of styles and fresh sequencing.

2. Study using an online resource, such as Yogaglo, Youtube, or Yoga Journal.  A computer and an internet connection is all you'll need.

3.  Set up your mat & do your own flow.  Start with sun salutations or work on something that you've been studying during your regular practice.  

4.  Take a break from asana (poses) and take time for meditation and reading instead.     

5.  Consider a yoga trip.  I've recently attended Yoga Journal Conferences and the Finger Lakes Yoga Festival.

6. Enjoy new practice space outdoors.  Classes are often offered on the beach, on standup paddleboards, or at local parks.   

Take some time to connect with yourself while you're away and put something fresh into your practice.

Namaste - Beth