“The truth is we are all so very, very vulnerable. Life is as it is. We don’t even have control over the health of our children. The only thing we can control is our attitude. We have the choice of life or death, love or fear, in each moment. ”
-Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison
I had a life-altering event happen the same week of the unfortunate bombings at the Boston marathon when I was rear-ended in a car accident. Now, clearly this was minor in comparison to the horrific tragedy in Boston and it was in my own way a reawakening. Fortunately, I was alone in the car, and it was the car that took most of the pain, as my body was hardly affected. I thank the health of my body and its resiliency from my yoga practice. However, as those of you that have ever been in a car accident, you know how it shakes you up and certainly makes you think about your life and the events that you absolutely have no control over.
In many respects it has felt in some areas of my life as if it has been going slowly: having to be patient, methodical, and take gradual steps. And then at the same time when the accident occurred, it seemed like life was coming at me at a rapid pace, signs telling me to stop and listen. I often hear from you that you can’t imagine or don’t know how we do it–how Erin and I run two studios, take care of young children, and all the duties that come along with running a household and life in general. Well, we are not superheroes by any means and I honestly think that my car accident was a reawakening for me to personally look at what is most important for me. How can I continue to serve you, this vibrant abundant yoga community, and be able to live a balanced life at home?
As a business owner it is easy to get consumed by all the tasks, doings, and future planning and then lose any semblance of balance. This has happened at different times throughout the 8 years of running the studios and I know it happens for all business owners out there. You may think that since I practice and teach yoga I am immune to the stresses of running a business but as my youngest son, Mateo, often says to emphasize the truth of what he is saying, this is “for real.” Since I have been practicing for years I do feel grateful to have great resources for managing my stress. Finding my way to the mat is always healing and meditation becomes just as important as breathing during stressful times.
I don’t always have the answer or control over the situation in front of me but I do know that I can choose each moment for what it is and to have faith and courage.
What area of your life challenges you today? Are you listening to the signs or pretending they are not there? Bring this to your mat and discover what it truly means to deepen into the practice. You are stronger and know more than you think you do.
We hope you’ll join us on May 4th to help us celebrate the second birthday of the University Place Studio.
Namaste, Melissa
