Inspiration

Inspiration. This time of year people are casting about for inspiration to create conscious change in their lives. We all want a catalyst, something or someone that will propel us through the inertia of our habit patterns and old ways of thinking and being.

Interestingly enough, the first definition of inspiration that appears in Webster’s New World Dictionary is this: “1. a breathing in.” And the last is this: “5. a divine influence upon human beings, as that resulting in the writing of the Scriptures.”

Where are you looking for your inspiration to become the best expression of yourself? Will you choose to create meaningful change based on a number on a bathroom scale? Or from realizing that you are co-creator of this life experience and you want to make your life better?

What you are “breathing in” to create change in your life and the lives of those around you? Have you made space in your life for that divine influence to flow in and inspire you?

And most importantly – do you think you’re worthy?

You’ve got to really care about yourself if you want to improve your life. To believe deep down that you deserve all the good things this existence has to offer. To understand that happiness and prosperity, love and respect are all things that can flow into your life if you can get out of your own way.

There’s a lot of self-importance in this world, but not much genuine self-esteem.

When was it that beating ourselves up became a sport?

Do you disagree? Truly – open any magazine, watch television, look at the books on our bookshelves. The message being openly (and not so openly) communicated is “you’re not enough.” You need this product to be more beautiful; this food to be more healthy. A better car; a nicer couch; a cooler phone. Even best-selling book series are for “dummies” and “idiots.”

A couple years ago I purchased the “Idiot’s Guide to Yoga with Children.” When I opened the box and extracted the book, my eldest daughter (age 9 at the time) immediately protested about the name. She took the book, sat down, and taped paper over the word “idiot” on the cover and spine of the book and wrote the word “genuis” in its place.

At the time it didn’t seem very important to me. But every time I see that book on my shelf, it reminds me to think about the importance of positive language and positive symbolism. To watch out for the under-current of negativity in our culture, and counter it with my own brand of positivity.

Go back and review your list of new year’s resolutions; of things you want to change, fix or improve. What is truly inspiring you to make these changes? What are you taking into the very core of your being that will spur you on to become your highest and best self?

Don’t change because your culture wants you to, or your husband wants you to, or your mother, or your neighbors or your boss. Do it because you want the best for you. Because you want to feel healthy, be happy, and become wise. Do it because improving your life is the way to improve the entire world.

Be inspired by the fact that you are a part of God, not apart from God. Know that you are “purnam” -- perfect, whole and complete.

Let that knowledge inspire you this year, and always.

Shanti,

Jill

New Year's Resolutions

You’re maybe making a list? Checking it twice? Not a gift list, but a resolution list.

It is that time of year again; after the excesses of the holidays, our lack of routine and discipline, it feels like a good time to make big changes. To resolve to shift things we know are not in our best interests; to eat healthier, exercise regularly; soften the rough edges of our personalities; maybe act a little more kind and loving to our fellow beings.

But before any lists can be made, what must come first is “tarka.” Tarka is a yogic term that means review; a period of time to contemplate and take stock of things. Looking back over the past day or month; year or decade; to see where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed.

It’s very much like planning a garden.

You start by looking at the previous year’s harvest. How did it grow? What crops fared well, and what didn’t? Where were the weeds rampant? Were there enough tomatoes, or too much cabbage? Did you think you planted spinach and got lettuce instead?

And what about the soil -- did you take the time to prepare the ground? Did you plant carrots in clay and strawberries in the shade? Were you flexible enough to adjust to unknown factors – like insects; lack of water; and (if you live in Floyd County) the occasional hail storm?

The only difference is in life, we are simultaneously reaping AND sowing. Every moment, every experience has been created through our words, thoughts and actions.

Knowing that, living that, can you reflect on what has come into your life this year, and what has faded away?

Examine the people you have attracted into your inner and outer circle this year. Are they positive and encouraging? Loving and giving? Inspiring and inspired? Are they leading you toward your highest and best self?

Are you living your authentic life? Following your path? Serving others but not diminishing yourself?

And what is it that you REALLY desire in this life, anyway?

If you thought you’d been planting peppers, but keep getting pumpkins, remember it’s not the pumpkin’s fault it’s not a pepper. You have to go all the way back to the original planting to see the origin of your error. And you may have to wait a full season to get another chance to plant those peppers, so you need to be ready.

Sometimes the length of time between action and consequence keeps us from connecting the dots and understanding what we created. Tarka helps with this.

Take some time to review 2009; look through your journal or calendar, and take notes. (What??? You don’t journal!? Ahhh, a great resolution for you!)

Remember you can never change anyone else; you can only change you and your reaction to the world around you.

Prepare the soil of your heart; open yourself to the pure potential that exists within.

Shanti,

Jill