Words of Wisdom:
“People are always asking about the good old days. I say why don’t you say the good now days?”
~Robert M. Young
Thoughts for January:
Greetings and a very Happy New Year to you and yours!
Ever notice that as human beings we tend to be trapped in either our past, caught up in the future, or a combination of both? Have you ever met or known someone in your life who talks about experiences that happened so many years ago, as though they are still happening today? Or, someone who is always so anxious, nervous, and of great concern for what’s to come? There’s a quote that I love and think is so profound, which reads:
One day at a time–this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and 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 that being caught up in either of the above scenarios doesn’t serve us. The past is gone…we can never get it back. The future hasn’t yet occurred…nor is it guaranteed to any of us. 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 “planned” to have. All we have on our mat is the present. Each breath, each vinyasa, and each pose…directs and guides our practice for that day. As we embrace living more present, we also embrace and experience greater happiness and less stress, as we are concerned with only that which is before us today.
“All we have on our mat is the present. Each breath, each vinyasa and each pose…directs and guides our practice for that day.”
I was inspired to do tree pose by the tree that ironically enough, sits right outside of the studio’s front doors, for this newsletter. Just as a tree is grounded through its roots and grows/rises up from the strength of these roots, in tree pose, we also root down through our standing foot and leg, in order to rise up through our upper-body, maybe even our arms, etc.. It represents how when we stay rooted and grounded, we can rise and grow in beautiful ways.
“Just as a tree is grounded through its roots…we can rise and grow in beautiful ways.”
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. Life is fleeting. It comes with no guarantees and it 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!
Love & light,
Marina
About the Image:
Marina Mukandala, is featured in this newsletter issue in Tree Pose, Vrksasana. The benefits of Vrksasana:
- Improves balance and stability in the legs
- Strengthens the ligaments and tendon of the feet
- Strengthens and tones the entire standing leg, up to the buttocks
- Assists the body in establishing pelvic stability
- Strengthens the bones of the hips and legs due to the weight-bearing nature of the pose
- Builds self-confidence and esteem
