“Drop last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.”
~Brooks Atkinson
Greetings and a very Happy New Year to you and yours!
“One day at a time–this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering. Happiness is a journey.”
~Author Unknown
I am fond of this quote, as it reminds us of the importance of being present. The past is gone…we can never get it back. The future hasn’t yet occurred…nor is it guaranteed to any of us. When we dwell in the past or live in anticipation of the future, we take ourselves out of the beauty of the present moment and create unnecessary angst. Our body, mind, and spirit are impacted.
Think about your overall posture and way of being when you find yourself replaying something from the past that you can’t change, over and over again in your head. Now, think about your overall posture and way of being when you are worried and anxious over something that hasn’t even occurred…all the “what ifs.” Both scenarios have the same adverse effect. We find ourselves down, worried, stressed, and anxious. This serves us none. But, when we surrender and truly accept where we’re at in the present moment and live in that space, there lies room for so much ease and possibility.
Our mat practice is a reminder of this as well. Each time we come to our mat, it’s a new day…a new experience. The practice that we had the last time we were on our mat is irrelevant, as is the practice that we might have hoped to have. All we have is the present…each breath, each downward facing dog, and each vinyasa…directs our practice for that day. We can enjoy our practice that much more too, as we aren’t attached to certain outcomes, but rather moving and breathing freely. As we embrace living more present, we embrace greater happiness and less stress as well, as we are concerned with only that which is before us today.
As we usher in this new year, may we stay rooted in the present, let go of our past, forgive who and what we must, trust that our future will be exactly what it’s meant to be, and love like there is no tomorrow. Life is fragile. It comes with no guarantees and is a journey…a daily journey. So, let go of your past…be confident in your future…and trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be in this present moment. Live one breath…one day…at a precious time.
Many blessings to you and yours in the gift that is this new year.
About the Image:
Marina Mukandala, is featured in this newsletter issue in Anjaneyasana (crescent lunge pose).
The benefits of Anjaneyasana are:
- Stretches the legs, groins, and hip flexors
- Opens the front torso, chest, and shoulders
- Strengthens and tones the thighs, hips, and butt
- Helps to develop flexible stability
- Helps the front of the body to expand, which increases energy and reduces fatigue
