Picture a fire with vivid flames that dance through the air. This fire produces so much light, and serves as a source of warmth, passion and inspiration. At times, the flames can grow weak. But the fire is still a source of light; it just needs to be rekindled.
In life, we are always returning to a state of balance. We never simply have it all together, at least not for long. If we did, there would be no room for growth. Sometimes when we struggle in a certain area we feel flustered and unsure of what to do next, or of what to change. The fires of our souls can grow weak. At times we need to reflect on the strategies that we are currently using, so that we can let go of them, and try new ones.
Moments come when we receive new insight about how we can improve our lifestyles. This awareness can be accompanied by feelings of vulnerability, failure and inadequacy, or thoughts such as: “Wow, I have so far to go. I feel so off track. I should be further along than I am.” Without checking in and gaining this insight, however, we might keep repeating the same old strategies, expecting different results, while getting frustrated, discouraged and burnt out when things keep going the same way. Another way to look at this insight is to say: “How awesome it is that I have this information, this spark, so that I can rekindle my fire!”
Each day we encounter challenges on our mats. Some days we step onto the mat feeling on fire and excited, other days we arrive feeling as if our flames have grown weak. Either way, we keep the flame of breath burning. From there, the other elements fall into place. Gradually we are able to move deeper into the poses. Gradually we teach our bodies new ways to express themselves. Constantly, we adjust as we receive new sparks.
In your yoga practice, not only on your mat, but also in your daily life, I invite you to be open and receptive to the new sparks, the new flames of insight that come your way, so that you can stoke your fire, or perhaps even start a new one. It’s a new day; it’s a new chance at life. Let’s celebrate it!
Come join me for a class this week and rekindle your fire. You can find my up-to-date teaching schedule on my calendar. It is always changing, as I add different classes here and there. Please check it out.
May you be open and receptive to the sparks that come your way this week, so that your fire can burn with passion, inspiration, encouragement and light.
Here are some tunes to get that fire burning:
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
New Day – Alicia Keys
Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys
Keep the fire burning, y’all,
Anne
tangiyoga 