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The
Practice of Life
Webster's dictionary defines
practice as: CARRY OUT , APPLY < practice what you
preach> 1 a : to do or perform often, customarily,
or habitually
< practice
politeness> 2 a : to perform or work at repeatedly
so as to become proficient < practice the act> b
: to train by repeated exercises.
For me the practice of life
means that we have the opportunity at any time to change how we
live and experience our lives. We can continue to react to what
comes or we can learn to respond with life, to flow with the one
aspect of life that is certain, that we are in a constant state
of change. By making new choices, choosing different behavior and
then repeatedly practicing this new way, we can create new beginnings
and healing.
Yes, life is a practice,
actually a multifaceted practice beginning from birth. First, we
practice sleeping and eating. Then comes crawling, walking and talking
to name a few things. As we grow older, we begin to explore relationship
with others, learning, playing, and the myriad of life experiences
that we choose to learn and are guided to explore. I do not believe
that we ever stop practicing with life because new things, people
and experiences are continually appearing in our lives. It's true
that not all experiences require practice but those experiences
that continue to repeat in our lives offer us the opportunity to
become more aware of who we are, how we can change or accept and
be with what is in a way that is more fully aligned with a thriving
life instead of a struggling one.
I believe that those who
spend the greater part of their life exploring the deeper meaning
of their existence here will be blessed. Life is not something you
master; it is only something you can practice. It is the continual
unfolding of your truest self. Some of us never tap into this part
of our journey completely, others dip their toes in, but few rarely
jump in with both feet and say yes to life. Believe me I know it
can be a scary proposition. On the other hand, what choice do we
have if we want to LIVE our lives to the FULLEST?
Like yoga, our lives have
many facets. Some see yoga as exercise while other use it as a spiritual
practice and still others may see it as an art form. Those who practice
yoga on a regular basis know that it is all of these and much more.
I believe one of the most powerful teachings in yoga is to show
up on your mat. That means show up for practice. Because it is through
doing that you change. It is not about getting somewhere but about
doing; and through this doing you learn about yourself, your body
and your life. As it is said: this is not about the destination
but the journey. When do we begin to show up for life, I mean really
show up, in the same concrete way that the yoga practitioner shows
up on his or her mat each day.
Life too is about the journey.
This journey requires a lot of conscious practice if we want to
go deeper, if we want to really live our lives to the fullest --
if you want to feel love, become fulfilled, be happy and peaceful.
A journey of self-discovery requires you to SHOW UP for yourself,
others and life. The practice of life is about change, being of
service, finding out who we are and how we can live our lives to
the fullest. We must become mindful of our feeling and actions!
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