There are many ways to be in this life experience, what is your way? What is your character? I mean by that — what is it that is you?
Big question.
Are you a warm and loving person who feels connection to others in this life? Or do you find yourself isolated and disconnected, somehow cool to, and removed from, others? Are you rigid or are you fluid in your attitudes and your actions? Are you tough and hard or are you soft in your approach?
A central theme in overall well-being is about being meditative and adaptive. In yoga, we are asked to bend like a willow tree in the breeze, not stand strong like a mighty oak. Why? An oak tree will break in a strong wind, the willow will flow and bend in its strength.
Our heart is asked to bend, not to remain rigid — to be open to love and warmth, understanding and forgiveness. On a physiological level, it is good for our heart to engage in these practices of wellness, it keeps the blood flowing through the chambers when we relax instead of being uptight and constricted. Where our mind goes, our energy flows.
This year, just as this day, and this moment, offer us opportunity to be open and warm and genteel in our approach to life. It does not mean you have no beliefs or convictions or voice but instead that you do in a manner that allows you to feel one with every person and every part of life because indeed you are. Being soft and genteel is about thinking in terms of kindness and the ways in which you can find your inner strength as you proceed in each and every interaction you have.
Earlier today, I was asked if kindness meant being a wimp and letting go of values and position and strength. No, not at all. When we are at our very best self, our intentions are consistent with positive outcomes, not harm. Being aware of what is good and safe and right is smart and taking actions to ensure it is equally smart. I gave the example of the new television show “What Would You Do…” People are placed into artificial situations believing they are genuine and the circumstances are awful. Would it be kind to sit on the sidelines and do nothing?
No.
It takes courage to be kind. It takes practice to be assertively kind and genteel in the approach. It is simply a form of divorce to sit on the sidelines and watch something negative unravel. If we are relaxed and soft, and move forward with positive intent, goodness emerges. Always. Trust in your inner strength and your ability to make right in peaceful ways, it will never fail you.
