Wellness Wednesday: Kindness

Early this week I decided to get grocery shopping done after a 12 hour shift at the hospital. As I was walking into the grocery store along with the hustle and bustle of other after work errand-goers, I saw a homeless woman who I had seen before, malnourished and lonely. She simply was asking those entering the store if she could have something to eat or drink. Unfortunately not one person acknowledged her. I had been upset for some time in the way I have seen people treating each other, acts of violence, so much anger. I had asked the woman what she wanted and she excitedly shared, “chips and a soda pop!”. I continued with my grocery shopping and got her chips, soda and a case of water. When I returned outside to give her the items she was happily overwhelmed but humbled in shyness and embarrassment. I was in awe that this woman was able to remain soft and still so kind towards others despite the lack of thoughtfulness in people that we see.

Kindness in a way acts as the oil that makes our world move more smoothly and with less friction. We can still get where we are going but the journey is more pleasant, and those around us can share in the ideal world that we help to create. We are all fortunate that kindness is limitless in its supply and available to everyone.

Whether giving way to someone in traffic or letting someone go ahead of us in line, donating clothes or sharing our homes in a crisis, we put action in creating a universe of kindness and giving with every choice we make. The smallest gesture can bring light to a shadow of an unpleasant situation or remove tension from a difficult task, but it’s effects can echo and extend far beyond the moment. We can be sure that we will receive a kindness in return, but giving is its own reward. Kindness expands the light we hold and reaches out to touch the light in others as well, giving us all a glimpse of the glow that has the power to enhance our world.

Namaste!

Angie

Wellness Wednesday: Living In Our Truth

There was a moment this week on my mat while practicing that I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my practice and how it has evolved specifically for my needs. I adored the fact that overtime I have gained confidence in my ability to add movements outside of a class sequence that will allow me to feel even more whole and how it has adapted me to clearly acknowledge what my needs are on and off the mat to ultimately live my truth.

Many of us tuck away our authentic inner selves, afraid or embarrassed to seek out our innermost desires in fear that it may hinder us in our success. We may find ourselves conforming to society while embracing secret passions when alone. We may withhold certain opinions, though it doesn’t change the fact that we possess them. It is important, however, to never stray too far from that youthful inner child and self-interest as they are qualities that help make us who we are. Our authentic self is our true self and, in living authentically, we live our truth, making time for the things you love and projecting who we really are. The simplest way to live our truth is to leave the expectations of other behind and live the way you feel most worthwhile.

So for the times we feel unsure of who our authentic self really is, we can look inward and ask ourself what your purpose, values, and needs are. From there we can honor what is and the state we are in if we avoid being guided by what others expect from us. At this time we may explore neglected passions by trying new things, and sticking to the ones that piece our soul together. As we infuse more passion and purpose into our life, we live more satisfied and whole all because we lived authentically.

Namaste!

Angie

Wellness Wednesday: Savoring More Than The “Daily Grind”

Most of us have adapted to seeing the big picture because we have adopted the same unnecessary frenzied pace of the world. We feel compelled to immediately distinguish what is important from what is not. We tend to admire this “daily grind” — everything relating to success seems significant and everything else seems questionable in terms of purpose. But what is most precious in this life often are the least momentous. They are these pure moments in which we are simply in awe by what is in present time. However our perception of these moments may be blocked by external influences so to experience them fully, we must learn to open ourselves to their existence.

These moments are not measured by the composition of an experience but rather by our reaction to it. Do you ever notice how in memory, we recall how this memory made us feel rather than the small, crisp visuals of that moment? Since such moments come and go quickly, they should be consciously savored and noted. They stick with us only when we recognize the impact they have had on our mental and emotional bodies.

In a mere moment, we may find we are suddenly and blissfully aware that we have evolved or that those around us have changed in some positive way or we may witness incidents of innocent kindness and compassion that do not directly involve us yet touch our heart space immensely. When we cherish these occurrences, we condition ourselves to take acknowledgement of them when they happen and allow their value to deepen the sense of fulfillment to our life.

Namaste!

Angelina