Here’s a thought I’d like to share…
It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching. ~St. Francis of Assisi
Oh what a humbling sentence!
To make my life my message is my life’s work.
I may fall short.
I may forget.
I may stumble.
I will certainly make mistakes.
But, in yoga as in life, we can begin again — and so I will… again, and again, and again.
Every time I realize my actions and values are not congruent, I have the chance to start again. When I succumb to my ego’s defenses, or the reactivity of my habit patterns, and then suffer the consequences of that, I can awaken to the possibility of making a choice to do something different. The opportunities are there, like doors opening into unknown places. The courage to walk through those doors is gained by dropping the need to be right, facing the fear of being judged, and opening the heart in the face of pain.
Walking the talk is far more important than talking the talk – far more humbling as well.
So, in an act of accountability, here is my “talk”…
My intention for 2015 is to listen so deeply to the rumblings of my heart that I can hear the dissonant rhythm when I go off course; to pause often enough and long enough to feel the truth that will guide my choices and draw my actions and values into alignment; to allow love, kindness, and gratitude to open my heart, and to face my fears with compassion and courage.
With the support that the Universe so freely gives, as well the support I get from my practices, my yoga community (y’all!), and my teachers, may the “walk” of this talk be possible. And when I fall short, as I surely will, may I meet my failures with compassion, and humbly begin again.
What’s your “talk” and what practices support you walking that talk?
Wishing you a sashay in your “walk” that resonates with the truth of your “talk,”
Namasté Augusta