I have a confession to make, yogis and yoginis! I am a bookworm, and I usually have at least one fiction or historical fiction book that I’m working through. In that vein, I’ve spent the last few weeks steeped in the past – whether that be Russia’s Imperial Age as written in Anna Karenina or the times of slavery described by Octavia Butler in Kindred or Jewel Parker Rhodes in Voodoo Dreams: A Novel of Marie Laveau or stories of true history as shared by the Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast.
Add my studies of various translations of the Yoga Sutras and and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (expect some posts exploring these soon), and you have an idea of where my mind has been lately!
Along with all the valuable lessons I am reaping from my recreation and study, I am left with a sense of appreciation and awe for this time and place we are all lucky enough to occupy.
I know – there’s plenty of crazy to point to that’s happening in our current time – strange fads, worrisome country leaders, and tragic events, but there’s also just so much magnificence, right?
For example, how amazing that we all have access to transportation that will take us comfortably across great distances, and that we, as a society, have created miles upon miles of paved roads to assist in that goal? This revelation comes after reading of so much uncomfortable travel in horse-drawn carriages. (On a side note, have you ever wondered about the horse poop?)
How amazing that the world is literally at my fingertips! In the past month alone, I have ordered a massage table for my reiki clients (that doubles as a yoga exercise table assisting in passive back-bends), hand-rolled Tibetan incense, low-cost yoga mats and blocks to offer students who want private classes in their homes, and BPA free spray bottles to craft Chakra Sprays – all to my front door!
I also remain ever grateful for running water (especially HOT running water), the convenience of washing and drying laundry in my home, and toilets (multiple at that) that flush in my home. I remain grateful for these conveniences after spending so much time without them in my travels.
I invite you also to take a moment and marvel at this modern world we inhabit.
Yes, it’s far from perfect, but just imagine one of your ancestors were transported to the here and now, and consider what would be going through his or her head watching you wake up in your very comfortable bed, easily brew your hot cuppa coffee or tea, and run to the grocery store to easily obtain your food for the day or week.
Keep a kernel of this awe in your heart like a shining star. Allow yourself to connect with it when your internet doesn’t connect as quickly as you’d like, or somebody cuts you off in traffic, or any other of the #firstworldproblems that come with this day and age.
I will be practicing my gratitude through my asana, my meditation, and in my every day.