Im Taking It All Off

Gotcha! I counted on that title to grab some attention, and I hope it did  because  I have something important to say and a reason to Thank You...yes YOU!…..But let me clarify...  when I say “I’m taking it off”, I’m talking about taking my “practice off the mat and into the world”....and  I’m inviting you all to do the same.

Now granted, I know a lot of you reading this may not “practice” the same way I do (on a mat, flowing from one asana to another) but I  KNOW  YOU  ALL  DO  PRACTICE  somewhere at sometime…..let me explain……

When one comes to their mat for a yoga session, we Yogis refer to it as apractice ,in this realm we are using the word practice as a verb. The definition of practice being : to carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly.

WHAT? Wait a minute! What is she saying and Why should I care?

Ok…. OK….. Calm yourselves people! All I’m saying is that part of my “practice” is to get right with myself, find the quiet inside, build up strength, perseverance, determination, humility, acceptance and gratitude for what I have in the present. The next step (when the practice on my mat is over) is to TAKE IT ALL OFF, let my soul shine through and attempt to bring these gifts I’ve uncovered in myself…. out into the world and to those who happen to pass my way!

YIPPPEEEE! Good Times…..Good Times! Huh? So What....?

Finding the courage, determination and willpower to be patient, non judgmental, grateful, kind, giving and accepting can be  HARD WORK and I for one needLOTS of practice to get there! ( think long lines at the checkout counter, that Bozo driver that just cut you off, how about that relative of yours that makes you hair stand straight up….or here’s my personal favorite….that whiny little toddler that clearly missed his nap and is plopped down in front of you in ( full tantrum mode) at that quiet little lunch spot you and your bestie are catching up at? That's when the hard work (practice) pays off!!

THINK ABOUT IT…..what do YOU do to practice and let your soul shinethrough? How do you share your gifts with the world? Do you find quiet time to read about things that are important to you and share your ideas with others, email encouraging thoughts to a friend, reach out to help a neighbor take their trash out or pick up their mail? Maybe you offer to pet sit  for an acquaintance or text your son/daughter to let them know you were just thinking of them. Perhaps you are kind enough to let someone cut in front of you at the checkout counter ( just because they look stressed and tired) or smilefor the heck of it as you let the other driver have the closer parking spot at that busy shopping mall. Maybe you're more apt to pay for someone's hot chocolate or coffee behind you in line or you say a quiet prayer for a coworker who you know is struggling. Maybe you're the kind of guy that spends an extra moment really listening to what your partner is trying to say to you. Perhaps you’ve found thecourage to forgive a friend who has treated you unfairly or maybe you find yourself handing that  tantruming toddler some crayons and paper offering to color with him so that his parents might be able to enjoy their lunch.

Whatever it is, Where ever it is and with Whomever it is…..I know you all are already doing it...PRACTICING! In a world where we hear every day of terror, strife and reasons to fear living, I just wanted to take a moment  to Take It Off. So, here I go...  taking  my practice off the mat to say that I’m gratefulto each and every one of you for sharing the gifts you are in the process of uncovering within yourselves! Thank you, for making this world a little bit brighter, a little bit kinder and a little bit calmer by Taking it off and letting your soul shine through.

music suggestion:

Shining on Through by, Jimmy LaFave

just because its awesome...