Reaching the Depths

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." --Helen Keller
I long to have impact, to not waste my life, to fulfill my purpose and destiny. I strive, think, write, work, will it to be.
This wanting feels big and sincere and meaningful…
And, my evolution on the mat and in this season of life brings humility in the face of these longings.
I run out of time, of energy, of motivation. In my surrender, I remember that my work isn’t about a grand quest for greater things, but a deeper settling into the simple and sacred routines and celebrations. I am quieted and softened in these spaces of what I discover has profound depth. What seems small from the outside, takes me deep into the mystery and wonder of all life. Here, I encounter peace, tranquility, and contentment. To see that the simple tasks of pouring a cup of tea, taking a walk or listening deeply in conversation ARE purposeful, meaningful, big and sincere.

On the mat, the quest we often come with is ambitious, a desire for change- to be stronger, better, to lose weight, to hold plank, to go further in a pose. Yes, these are potentially fruits of a practice. But, to simply feel my hands on the floor in tabletop pose, or to set up props and sit comfortably for 10 minutes in quiet, or sit in ‘not knowing’, are often the experiences that deepen the practice and uncover the stories beneath the surface. Freeing our ideals and releasing ourselves from the undercurrent of our striving places, brings us toward greater contentment and ease.

I am grateful for the sweet reminder of Helen Keller’s quote as I settle in with a ‘less is more’ attitude.

J~