In the wake of the weeks past events, I can't help but write from a space of tenderness- from a vortex of emotion. Watching the horrific unthinkable events unfolding in Paris on Friday and the repercussions felt around the world leaves me in a state of disbelief. My heart goes out to all who have been touched by this unspeakable act.
I am not a political scholar, nor am I a great debater of world affairs. If anything, I am a woman who still believes in the magic of Christmas, in the wonder of a new day, in the capability to love unconditionally, in the presence of peace, in the virtues of knowledge, and in the power of kindness. My language today comes from the Yogic tradition, which I feel most closely connected to. It is my hope that you take what resonates and leave the rest.
One of the ethical principals of Yoga is Ahimsa: Nonviolence. At times like this, when devastation and unspeakable hatred ravage the very core of humanity, I turn to the practice of Yoga. I roll out my mat, I open my hands, I open my heart and ask that the wisdom of my gurus and teachers would fill my heart with love and understanding. I believe in the potential for each and every heart to truly make a meaningful difference on this planet. It is the Yogic practice that helps me to find center amidst the confusion, the fear, the anger, the violence, and the shattering of hearts everywhere. As Swami Rama shared, "When love became the Lord of my life, I became fearless."
Ahimsa asks us on an individual level to plant our feet firmly in the soil of nonviolence. Our relationship to non-violence becomes a multifaceted illustration in our lives. Violence can be highlighted in body, mind and spirit. It can erupt in our self talk, in our inability to trust that another knows what is best for their life, in feelings of powerlessness and many other facets of the diamond of our life.
Ahimsa asks that we take steps of courage within our own lives to cultivate kindness and compassion when it might seem easier to react from fear and judgement. As Deborah Adele shares in her book on the Yamas and Niyamas, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to be afraid without being paralyzed."
As we move forward into this new day, it is my prayer that mankind might find courage and compassion to become even more fearless in our pursuit of Ahimsa. May our prayers of peace echo out into the world.
May All Beings Everywhere Be Happy.
May All Beings Everywhere Be Free.
May You Be Happy.
May You Be Free.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti....Peace, Peace and more Peace
May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah