Let it Flow

Yesterday’s Oprah was about living life. She had a number of guests who have terminal cancer - they are young, with families. It was heart breaking and inspiring at the same time.

I’m not sure I have to explain why it as heart breaking. What made it inspiring was the outlook each of these people had on their life. Instead of dying, they are choosing to live. To live each day to its fullest - to enjoy their families, friends, work. To treat their bodies well by eating healthy, exercising, and bringing yoga and tai chi into the mix.

Then I started thinking about the news stories I’ve been hearing about everyday people having near death experiences that really turn their lives around. It’s like they “wake up” to what’s really important. They start living life.

I want to know why it takes a death or near death experience to think that way. What’s wrong with living while I’m healthy and have the ability to enjoy and experience everything around me? By complaining instead of living aren’t I just wasting my time? What’s wrong with believing that everything is perfect just as it is instead of thinking “too much or not enough”.

Just last week I heard about a movement to stop complaining. Equipped with a purple bracelet those who choose to participate must be complaint free for 21 days. It took months for people to accomplish this, and sometimes it took multiple bracelets. Each time they complained they had to switch the bracelet to the other wrist. That’s a lot of work!

I was out for a jog and listening to my ipod when the song Sky Fits Heaven by Madonna started playing. It’s a great song to run to. That’s when I heard a line in the song that I know I’ve heard before, but this time I was ready for it. She sings: “Life’s worth living so let your judgments go. That’s how our future should be.“

Brilliant, I thought. And it’s true - my experience leads me to believe that we’re afraid to live because we hold so much judgment against ourselves. It’s what I’ve been teaching in my yoga classes. I also believe that as a society we are so afraid of death that we stop living in order to control our fate or destiny. Imagine the freedom if we just started living, without judgment, without the need to control everything, realizing that the challenges encountered can actually build personal strength if allowed and knowing that after all is said and done, we will all be ok.

My personal challenge - to start noticing when I complain or have a negative attitude or even talk negatively about people or experiences. I think I’m a “good person” and at the same time I have a lot of work to do. I’m sure it will be challenging and at the same time an incredible learning experience.

Tags: Inspiration and Motivation //