Look what I can do!

I’ve been working hard on my physical yoga practice. We’ve been studying inversions in my teacher training for about a month now, and until Saturday, I was not able to kick my legs up to the wall in Salamba Sirsasana (supported headstand). Right before my attempt on Saturday, I shared with my fellow teacher that I usually go into the pose with the attitude that I can’t do it, but I should try anyway. This time, though, I told myself that I can do it and I will do it…and, I did it!

I was able to stay up for much longer than I thought, and I even practiced taking each foot away from the wall to balance in the pose all on my own. In time, I am confident I’ll be able to do the pose without the wall! I am so proud of myself. I wanted to share this story as inspiration for anyone who has a hurdle in their life that needs jumping over. Once you face your fear and get over your self-given limitations, you will ask yourself how you could have doubted yourself.

Keep believing in yourself!

Book Review: Eat Pray Love

So, I must be living under a rock because I only recently picked up Elizabeth Gilbert’s brilliant memoir “Eat Pray Love.” The story of Gilbert’s year spent traveling through Italy, India and Indonesia is told with such honesty, humor and insight. Even though Gilbert’s journey followed a severe depression and divorce (things I’ve not experienced in life), I found myself identifying with her many times throughout the book. Gilbert’s words inspire me to be independent, seek my true self and be happy. I especially liked her insight into meditation, and I have used many of her techniques in my own practice already. (Thanks so much for that!)

It wasn’t until I finished the book, that I visited Gilbert’s web site. There, she answers questions about the book and gives an update on her life since returning to the U.S. What I found most intriguing, though, was her Thoughts on Writing. As a big-time writer, Gilbert is undoubtedly asked to give advice to those wishing to turn their story into a masterpiece the likes of Gilbert’s. Her words were so inspiring to me and others, I’m sure. Here, I will share some her insights that touched me most (note: most of these tips are very much linked to spiritual practice…it all comes around in the end!).

I believe that – if you are serious about a life of writing, or indeed about any creative form of expression – that you should take on this work like a holy calling.

“Hey – somebody has to write all those stories: why not me?”

As for discipline – it’s important, but sort of over-rated. The more important virtue for a writer, I believe, is self-forgiveness. Because your writing will always disappoint you. Your laziness will always disappoint you.

You must find another reason to work, other than the desire for success or recognition. It must come from another place.

All these insights can be applied to any kind of work, really. I think that it is most important that you make sure to act with purpose in every thing you do. This is the way to reach happiness and be at peace with your self.