Life in its grand and beautiful moments is a treasure. Our hearts feel full and our bodies feel free from pain. Our minds are at peace and we are able to tap into the expansiveness of our being. Yet, day to day life is gritty and we don’t always feel the blessing of its gifts. 

Every day, we awaken with the opportunity to begin anew. Our circumstances may not have changed, but our mindset can. If we consider self-reflection to be a tool in our toolbox, we can use it everyday to shift to a healthier mindset and grow through the lessons we need to learn. As we become more self aware, we can better navigate and respond to the challenges that come our way. 

Some lessons and situations continue to rise in our lives in various but similar forms because we haven’t learned what we need to learn. If we don’t pause to do honest self-reflection, we are bound to continue a cycle of dis-ease with our life. 

Perhaps you continue to find yourself in connection with people who trigger a deep, unresolved issue within yourself OR you are carrying anger that you direct outwards because it’s easier than addressing the dissatisfaction you have within? Maybe you are working in a job where you feel unfulfilled OR the company you work for has unrealistic expectations causing you lots of stress OR there is a behavior you continue, despite the negative consequences it brings to your life?

Since we are all connected, it is likely that some or even all of what I listed above has been a lesson in your life or are in the process of learning. It’s great when we get to the other side of these patterns and release ourselves from them. They can feel like eye opening AH HA’s of self-awareness or a hard fought battle overcome but often it’s a WHOLE LOT of in between. 

Can you rest in feelings of yuck and accept them as a tool to dive in to discover what’s really going on within you? When the beautiful moments of life come your way, are you able to be fully present in them without grasping or looking for what will come next? Can you see that wonderful experiences are also a tool? The tool to access the truth of joy, which is the essence of your very existence. 

Trying to hold onto the yuck OR the joy will bring you misery. Instead of grasping to what was or what may be, let’s instead learn to be more self-reflective and appreciate every relationship, every circumstance, every action as a means to awaken to healthier, happier, more balanced and true versions of ourselves.  

December’s theme is reflection. Classes this month at Creation Yoga will encourage you to look within. As we close 2024, let’s reflect on what lessons we’ve learned or are in the process of learning. Together, we can celebrate it all on our collective journey to greater joy, peace and beauty in our lives.

Om shanthi,

Tiffany