You only have one opportunity within this life to make a difference – what will you do? How will you live? What will be your defining moment?
My motto in my life has been “feel the fear and do it any way.” Life is scary, unpredictable, challenging, and above all, for us to be lived to the fullest. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Stand up for truth, love and compassion. I found my strength, my power and my gift by learning about who I am, what I can offer the world and how to take action. I learned this from yoga. I learned this one breath at a time, one moment at a time, one defining situation at a time.
Here are some of the best lessons I have learned from my teachers while sitting on my yoga mat.
1. Being A Yogi Doesn’t Mean That You Are A Doormat
It means that you are truthful and kind. You listen to your heart and body and do what’s best. It means you care, you are discerning of the truth and you follow your own path.
2. Being A Yogi Means You See Both The Good And The Bad And You Acknowledge It
Pretending things are perfect and nothing ever affects you is a lie – mostly to yourself. No one is fooled by your unblemished, eternal happiness. It actually makes people question your sanity. Life has ups and downs and everyone has good days and bad days. Thinking positively goes a long way to leading a happier life but ignoring or bypassing the negative isn’t being truthful to your soul. You must acknowledge the dark to see and appreciate the light.
3. Make A Difference And Take Action
The major theme of the Bhagavad Gita is taking action. Complaining and doing nothing about a situation makes you part of the problem. In order to find out what you truly care about, what your gift is to this life, write down a list of things that really piss you off. Things you would change if you had the power to do so. Realize that you have the power to change them…all you have to do is figure out where and how to start!
4. Take A Look At The People Around You
How are they impacting you and how are you impacting them? Are there people in your life that are holding you back from living your best life? Are you holding others back? Access your relationships and weed your garden. Those people who are not in line with your core values need to go. Spend less time with these people and set clear boundaries. Only surround yourself with people who empower you, keep you grounded, and have your best interests at heart.
5. Go Out There And Conquer The World
Do you have a dream? You only have one shot at this life so what are you going to do? Sit in the sidelines or jump up on stage? As long as you're alive, your dream is possible. OWN THAT SH*T. One 76-year old yoga student told me yesterday that she wants to do a handstand. And you know what? We are going to do it!
You are your own greatest champion. You can be the change you want to see in the world. It is time to stop making excuses and take action. You just need to believe. I believe in you. So go out and be GREAT.
