[image courtesy of Unsplash.com]
“Commitment transforms promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly to your intentions and the actions that speak louder than words.” ~Urban Dictionary
Commitment can come in many forms.
My commitment to my health and well being is flavored with a quality of dedication, devotion, and a vow to do my best for myself. That heartfelt flavor wasn’t always in my awareness. When I believed that being healthy meant being free of all pain, injury, illness and being in the gym many hours each week; logging a certain number of miles each week, and picking up ever increasing loads…well, self care began to feel like a heavy, never ending, never reachable achievement! Then I got very sick, seemingly out of nowhere (still seems that way to modern medicine)! Not only was I no longer “healthy,” but my definition of personal health became an impossible reach. (Note: 50-70% of health determinants are outside of our personal reach, btw)! The illness helped me see how I was tired, stressed, and overcommitted.
My definition of health was not very human and relied more on external measures of wellness
(like body fat, inches, pounds, steps, heart rate, and what the “experts” had to say) and very little awareness of how I was feeling in this body I’d been over managing! The illness slowed my life down enough that I could see more clearly. I took the time to identify my core values and shift my commitments based on those. Yoga taught me how to shift my experience of commitment from heavy with excessive responsibility to one of expansive devotion. This allowed me to stay grounded and listen to my heart.
When we commit from an ego perspective, to “look good,” perfecting, pleasing, and pretending can lead to burn out. Committing to what speaks to your heart leads you in the direction of devotion and dedication. From this deeper place your commitments enhance your life and well being.
You are steady and discerning, rather than anxious and judgmental.
We see this devotion in Earth’s commitment to supporting life. When we cut part of a forest, the Earth provides us with wood for shelter and heat, sustaining us. And what of the clear cut land? New growth occurs. Low lying ground cover begins to take root and provide habitat for small animals like rabbits and ground hogs. In turn they become meals for fox and weasels. The small trees and brush provide food for deer that was not previously available from the tall timber. New life is supported. The Earth doesn’t fret over the loss of the trees, but right action occurs. The Earth’s commitment to supporting life is grounded and steady.
When you commit to yoga, you commit to connecting to that steady place in you.
Physically you engage with your center, hugging muscle to bone. Mentally and emotionally you anchor your attention on your breath. In this way, commitment opens your heart and you recognize your true nature that is joy, and your recognition of this in your heart and in all hearts is the highest purpose of the practice of yoga.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you live your life in peace and ease!
