I could write about how surprising it is that John Edwards dropped out of the presidential race so prematurely, but...I'm rather bored of partisan politics at this point in my life...
So instead, I thought I'd write about one of the ways I try to practice peace in my daily life. There are many ways one can do this - from volunteering for a local non-profit (like the Dallas Peace Center, hint hint) to simply smiling at a stranger. How do you practice peace?
Yoga is a practice of peace for me, both spiritually and physically. I try to do a little bit every day, although I admit I don't always live up to my perfectionist standards. (Self-forgiveness is a part of practicing peace, too.)
Yoga is an ancient practice with Hindu roots. It was developed as a devotion to the sacred - both within and without. One of the most common routines is called the Sun Salutation. For millenia, devout Indians (and others) have risen before dawn, just to greet the morning sun with this easy, flowing pose.
I began my yoga practice for mainly physical, material reasons. I didn't have an exercise routine, and I didn't like traditional forms of working out, like weight training or jogging. Yoga appealed to the dancer in me, and promised me strength and flexibility with limited strain on my joints.
As I began my weekly practice while in college, I was blessed with an astute instructor who gently prodded us to consider the spiritual aspects of our practice, as well. She lit traditional incense during the class, played relaxing music and guided our meditation during shavasana, the final relaxation pose in any yoga class.
Through this weekly appointment, I learned to let go of much of the stress and anxiety I had due to my university class load and hectic extracurricular schedule. When I felt less stressed, I was less likely to become irritable and rude to those who did not meet my ridiculously high expectations.
The vibrations of calm and serenity that originated in my heart during yoga were amplified out into my universe. Who knows what effects could have been magnified beyond that?
Today, as I do my sun salutations on a nearly daily basis, I pay close attention to my body. This is something we Americans often neglect to do. Where am I tense and sore? What needs to be loosened up? These physical signifiers usually indicate mental/emotional stressors on to which I'm holding.
As I open my body (and in turn, my chakras), my mind and soul expands to become more nurturing and receptive to love and spirit. After each practice, I say a prayer that the world be enveloped in love, peace and light. It may seem corny, but hey, who knows? At least it doesn't do any harm, right?
And then, as a final act of reverence, I bow to the Universal Spirit and say:
Namaste. (pronounce nah-mah-stay)
(The light in me honors the light in you.)
