Embrace the imperfection of life with Love and Gratitude. -Yogarupa Rod Stryker
Last weekend I had the good fortune of being in the presence of my teacher, my friends and colleagues, and some of my students for a powerful and integrative weekend. We were all in Madison for Rod’s ParaYoga Moon, Sun, Fire workshop.
On the first afternoon, Yogarupa was teaching on the importance of a clear and quiet mind. For if our minds are quiet, we then have clear perception. Likewise, if the mind can get still, the deep inner knowing that resides within is made more available.
If our perception is clear and we can access inner knowing, then, when life is imperfect – which let’s just say may happen to you some of the time – we can more willingly be in the imperfection while still feeling Love and Gratitude for the great gift of life.
In fact, the Love and Gratitude should never go away. The aim of our practice is to heighten our capacity to give Love and feel Gratitude so that those qualities within us are never overshadowed by the chaos, disappointment, or “imperfection” of our life.
The reason I love this teaching is that it’s not as if we are denying the imperfection of life and saying it’s all rainbows and butterflies….but rather, can you remember the rainbows and butterflies and hold them close to your heart with a deep-felt “thank you, I’m alive” when all is floundering?!