Hello, Roaring Twenties!
Happy holidays! As we approach the new year, 2020, how the mind marvels at all that we’ve seen in the past 10 years. What amazes me most is how many things I assumed would last forever, or how many things I thought could effect me in the same intense way forever. Then we look back at all of the trends that have come and gone, the life stages that have emerged, and transformed again. I can hardly contain my relief for the evolution that occurred over the decade. It seemed to take a long time to identify and prioritize things that would build me up. Thankfully, what seemed like big boulders blocking my path dissolved under the constant power of the river of time. Negative influences left my life, and great ones introduced themselves. My teachers, my friends, and my family have all supported me to become the person I am today, and they continue to influence me as I work toward my dreams.
Have you, too felt transformation? If my story clicks with you, it must be because life constantly changes. If we are each the protagonist in our own story, then surely we can understand that these stories just aren’t finished being written. In 2020, I suggest that we move with a growth-mindset, and appreciate our evolution, even when it’s not glamorous.
During Yin Yoga Teacher Training, my teacher Tracey Soghrati pointed out to me how we tend to romanticize the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into the butterfly. “See how the caterpillar retreats into its cocoon, and emerges anew, as a butterfly,” has exclaimed many a parent, a teacher, a child. Tracey enlightened me on the actual discomfort that the caterpillar must undergo; the hardship to which we are not privy. Inside the cocoon is a mess of goo, and if we looked in upon it before it finished, we might actually feel disgusted. Truly, many a time in the past decade, my life has been in a goo-y stage. At times, I have yearned to look away, but as I’m sure you know, the true self always shines through and cannot be hidden. This sense of acceptance can be helpful in reducing stress. Acknowledging and sitting with our feelings can yield self-compassion and perhaps some lesson. As Jeff Warren says, “welcome to the party.”
I hope that the new year is full of great opportunities, growth, and joy for you and yours! Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for making 2019 a year to remember and for making the 2010’s something to celebrate (even the oo-y & goo-y parts!).
With love,