The Sweet Responsibility of Nurturing Others

As yogis we recognize the beauty and relevance of being connected, and our deepening practices guide us to look from the microcosm to the macrocosm, noting the myriad of ways yoga can lead us to diminish suffering and promote peace. Our own healing is affected by our capacity to help others heal.

When we turn our reflection inward, when we take time to follow our intuition and to nurture ourselves, we are then ready to participate in life and meet the needs of what each day holds in store for us. We can recognize in ourselves, on a daily basis, that we are “doing our dharma, serving the purpose of our life.” In all faith practices, in all mind-body practices, we learn that we have to operate from the “cup half full.” The “care and keeping of me”, then allows the healthy attempt and relationship in the care and keeping of others. When we have nurtured our own body, mind and spirit, then we can be fully present to making a difference, and genuinely compassionate, in understanding the needs of others. We can accept that who shows up on our path, whether their life journey crosses ours or whether they travel alongside us, their presence is significant, meaningful, and meant to be. The effects of our intertwined yogic and life journeys, is then built around understanding that the daily small opportunities lend themselves to the bigger lifelong calling, and this is altogether laced with the many ways in which we get to serve. Our life is a practice of “seva,” in Sanskrit, this means service.

In all the ways you practice yoga, you are readying yourself for your dharma. To do your dharma, is yoga in action, and is in fact, seva. Deepening our yoga practice helps us to understand of life, especially our place in life, and this helps us understand how to alleviate suffering. There are expressions and reminders across cultures and across history that encourage and motivate us in our life’s spiritual journey. We have often heard “you are your brother’s keeper,” “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Ultimately we are here to evolve, and along the way, to be humble as we learn to be human together.

What begins to happen when we recognize that our needs and rights are reflected in our world then drives yoga in action. Deep healing happens when we respect and honor others, as we attend to their needs. Yoga in action is a powerful and effective means for transformative community healing. There is beauty in how we are all connected. There is also responsibility and humility.

Om Shanti, “Peace” to you, from Mona and Asti at Essential Yoga Practice.

Contemplate these words from Dalai Lama XIV: “Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

How do you serve in your community? Share with us as you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram – we all learn from each other! Remember to show gratitude for those who have served our country this Memorial Day.