Stress…I know I’m not the only person or parent experiencing this right now. Talk about our worlds being turned completely upside down (that’s what yoga practice prepares us for, right?)! Many of our daily routines are gone and we are all working to create and get used to new routines. It is not easy for any of us. The other day, I was overwhelmed, attempting to juggle multiple things at one time with a child that refused to listen and argued with me about what I thought were simple requests. I got upset, I raised my voice, and then I felt my heart ache. Here I was taking my overwhelm out on my son, who undoubtedly is also feeling the overwhelm and uncertainty of no longer having his typical routine in place.
I calmed down and sat with my son Noah. I apologized for getting upset with him. I told him I was going to do better, be more patient and kind and be a better mom to him. Noah looked me directly in the eyes and said, “Mom, I love you exactly as you are. You don’t have to change anything.” I felt like crying. Noah saw right through me. He recognized me for who I truly am beyond my faults. He may or may not have been completely conscious of what he was doing but it was absolutely clear to me.
When we see past people’s faults, difficulties, and the “stuff” all of us carry, we recognize their true nature as a whole complete being. We look beyond the superficial and gaze intently into everything. We see ourselves in others, and we see ourselves as part of the universal whole. We see everything as connected. And through this practice of looking more deeply and making these connections, we become more conscious of our daily thoughts, words, and actions.
We listen to intuition.
We relate through empathy.
We take compassionate action.
We practice unconditional love.
We see others for who they truly are…
This is our job as yogis and as yoga teachers. I believe this is a big reason why we have seen the practice of yoga experience incredible growth all over the world. Yoga is a practice that reminds us of who we truly are. This is what brings us back to the mat, meditation pillow, and so on…how soon we forget, yet it is always there…we just have to be reminded. So here is your reminder…
You are beautiful.
You are whole.
You are perfect.
Just the way you are.
You are not your stress, worry, doubt, or frustration…these are the things that keep you from experiencing your true, authentic self that is always there within you. And that’s why we practice yoga—to tap back in and be reminded of what we already intuitively know. Consciously or unconsciously, we choose to practice yoga and immerse ourselves in community to be seen or recognized by others as our true authentic selves. It is an elevating and uplifting experience to both see and be seen in this way.
I believe we are each born with a boundless capacity to learn, grow, and love. We intuitively know how to be happy, joyful, and live in harmony and peace with all beings and the earth. All of us vary greatly and progress—and fall down and return stronger—in exceptional ways. The yogic practices are there to serve as reminders to us and keep us going on our life path and purpose.
In these times of uncertainty, one thing that is certain to me is the vital importance of being reminded. Do yourself and our world the service of tapping into your yoga practice in whatever capacity you are able to at this time. And reach out to others…you are not alone…we are here for each other.
Pause.
Be still.
Breathe.
Listen within.
Remember.
I love you exactly as you are.
Anna Ferguson is the author of World Peace Yoga: Yoga for People Who Breathe, a book on yoga that inspires peace in action, developing intuition, deepening empathy, and expanding compassion. You may connect with Anna via Instagram @annafergusonpeace or via Facebook
