After a recent visit to Kripalu (a retreat and yoga center in Massachusetts), I am pleasantly reminded of how critically important it is to live intentionally. Not being a yogi (although I can hold my own in a yoga class) I chose to step out of my daily life, and deeper into myself by attending a workshop at Kripalu, part of which included attending some yoga classes. The meditation component of the classes allowed me to re-connect with myself as did the being ‘present’ in each posture. We can all lose touch with ourselves with the busyness of daily life so choosing to step out can help to remind us of what life is really about. The gifts I received were innumerable; some of which I will share here with you…
While we all have heard and used clichés on a regular basis, when we truly experience them, we can remember why they were created. For example, ‘life isn’t a dress rehearsal’ is one I have used many times. After witnessing some of the challenges my friends and clients experience, I get it! As far as we know, we have only one life (some may beg to differ and that’s okay too!) How do you want to live it? Are you living your life the way you truly want to? If not, what can you do right now to begin to take just one step closer to living an authentic life? Think about something you have heard yourself say such as “One day I want to….” We don’t know how many days we get. Do it now.
Another realization I had while I was there was that it is really easy to show love and kindness. Many people get caught up in the stress of their lives and can often use this as a reason/excuse to not be loving or kind. I joked with a friend when I returned saying that I think they pump ‘love’ into the air through the ventilation system at Kripalu. It seemed everyone was open, helpful, kind, and present. Think about how you can be more loving, kind and present in your life. What would that look like? Have you ever been with someone who is 100 percent present with you? How did that feel? To ‘see’ someone fully without any guard up or distractions, is one of the best gifts you can give.
Last, taking time out of my life to be with myself (the person I will have the longest relationship with in my life) filled my soul. Between the daily routine of all that needs to get done, filling my soul can often fall to the bottom of the list. This needs to be the first thing on my list; because now that it is again, I can tell you, I am living intentionally. Another buzz word these days is ‘authentic.’ While it is an overused word, it is something we can all benefit from; to live our lives as authentically as possible. It is only when we do this that those around us can truly know who we are; and more importantly, that we can know who we are.
So, if you can’t make it to Kripalu any time soon, start here and now. Take a yoga or meditation class. Look for ways to be more of who you really are. Life is short (another cliché) so why not live it the way you really want to…intentionally?