When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.
What a difference a month makes.
When I sat down to write the March newsletter, I was filled with so much joy with all that was on the horizon
- my husband’s 40th birthday,
- the kick-off of the studio’s first-ever yoga challenge,
- the studio’s 8-year anniversary,
- the studio’s anniversary celebration,
- and my fortieth birthday on the horizon on April 18th.
So very much has changed since then. Life has very quickly taken a very sudden turn of events.
Never would I have imagined that just 15 days after the release of the March newsletter – that we’d be closing Mind Body Flow Yoga’s doors indefinitely.
March 16th, 2020, is a date that will forever be etched in my heart as a small business owner. The shock of it all is still very present for me.
We are living in a time that no one on earth has ever seen.
I feel a myriad of emotions when I reflect on that:
- fear of the unknown,
- heartbreak for the deaths and
- financial crisis that countless families are faced with,
- gratitude for having more time with my family,
- inspired to create,
- exhaustion,
- chaotic,
- and grateful for my faith in God.
Outdoor Yoga
LIVE Music Vinyasa
Vocalist and guitarist
8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
I want you to know that life is not easy for any of us right now. Every day presents an unpredictable challenge. The world is in a state of disorder – shutdowns, quarantines, store closings, curfews, children becoming home-schoolers, with parents being forced to teach, businesses closing, and concerts, sports, and the Olympics canceled.
We are living in what appears to be apocalyptic times.
In the midst of all of this, I want to encourage you to keep in mind that light shines in the darkest places and as children of God, we shine our brightest in the midst of chaos.
The most powerful moments in life come when we find the courage to let go of what can’t be changed.
When you aren’t able to alter a situation, you are challenged to transform yourself and to grow beyond what’s imaginable – and that’s what changes everything.
Quarantine presents us with the opportunity to do things we have put off for years. One of the silver linings to come out of this self-isolation is that it forces us to focus on and get back to what truly matters – loving ourselves and others in ways we normally don’t get the chance to.
It’s forcing us to take it back to the basics and to conserve and think about the future, our health, and our well-being.
It’s forcing us to think about what truly matters (i.e.- people, family, kindness, and compassion).
It’s forcing us to get to know the people we live with – in a deeper way.
That sounds funny, right? Because we see these people every day. But, we are now getting to know them more intimately – their habits, what makes them smile, what makes them laugh, and what makes them tick. We are being forced to have deep conversations and to ask the hard and uncomfortable questions.
It’s going to take courage to get through these unknown times. Courage to cry and ask for help. And courage to do what is best not only for your health but for the health of others. Remember, our courage doesn’t always roar aloud. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering, “I will try my best again tomorrow.”
The light is still there, yogis. It’s still there. You have an incredible opportunity before you to be a beacon of light in the midst of this dark time.
- Be the light in your home
- be the light in your family
- be the light in your life and the lives of others.
These times are forcing us to find peace in the midst of chaos.
Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no chaos, trouble, or hard realities to deal with. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and remain mentally, emotionally and physically centered.
Peace is what our journey on the mat teaches us – that we can be in the midst of a really challenging pose, and still be at ease.
I think that’s what yoga calls us to do. To take on the seemingly impossible thing and to take it one pose at a time. To inhale and exhale with what is. Not to hide in denial, nor cower in fear, but to do the work – to face and deal with what’s real – here and now.
3 thoughts on “The Light is Still There”
Marina,
Have been thinking of you and praying for you and your family during this difficult time! Thanks for your message today! Light does still shine and good will come! Hang in there!
Love,
Mary Brickle
Dear Marina,
What a beautiful post, from a beautiful soul. Thank you.
Our prayers continue for you, your family, the MBFY community and the world. His ways are not our ways.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Peace and Prayers,
Martha
What a great way to start the day. Thank you for your words. I needed them. I had just started yoga before all of this and the first time you read in class I cried. The words resonated with me. Same thing happened today. I will be a light today. Be well:)
Margot Bailey