Discovering a World of Infinite Possibilities Within You

An opportunity can be right in front of us and we might not notice. We might be distracted while focusing on that thing we don’t have, the memories of past unpleasant events or just as we compare ourselves to someone who seems to have everything “together”.

In yoga - and in nature - we see that a perceived weakness can become a strength in a different asana or situation. When you are contracting a muscle group you have to simultaneously relax the opposing group - a process known as reciprocal inhibition. We perform best when we reach for a balance between opposites - strength and flexibility, action and stillness. In nature, we find whole communities supported by their diversity in shapes and functions. A classic example is lichens and the mutually beneficial relationships that develop between algae or cyanobacteria and fungi. We humans have our own symbiotic relationships with our gut microbiome. Trillions of microorganisms live within us and regulate diverse functions including our digestion, metabolism and immunity. The moment we realize everything is interconnected is the moment we are born to infinite possibilities. You will likely benefit from adjusting your diet or even your environment, yet the most meaningful changes will happen within you.

In her book Good Morning I Love You, Shauna Shapiro, PhD describes vividly the core elements of mindfulness: intention, attention and attitude. When examining our intention, we are encouraged to reflect on our deepest hopes and dreams. While prioritizing our intentions and plans for the future, it is helpful to study how they align with our deepest values and character strengths. In other words, how are my actions today contributing to the future I envision? For example, if I want to meet my future children (or grandchildren) someday, I might be more motivated to take better care of my health today. I might also learn ways to help protect our environment so they can enjoy our beautiful planet one day. Nelson Mandela said, “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” How would our daily actions change if we start focusing more on our dreams and intentions rather than our fears?

Attention is perhaps the only resource more important than time. How are you investing your time, attention and energy? Your strengths are not necessarily your innate talents but those activities that replenish your energy. You are likely very good at many different things, yet some of those activities will be energizing while others not so much. The Stanford design professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans recommend keeping a Good Times Journal to better define the activities, places and people that help you feel more engaged and energized. The intent is not to fill your life just with energizing or work-related activities - at the risk of looking like an energizer bunny walking in circles - but to live more purposefully.

How to cultivate a better balance between stimuli and stillness? I find that any recurrent activity that creates a positive outcome brings the opportunity to still your mind. By its own nature this activity is repetitive - and potentially boring to some. The options are infinite and usually free: folding your laundry, sweeping, decluttering, pulling weeds, helping your parents navigate healthcare... Your activity will likely be different from mine or different from day to day. The key here is focusing on your attitude and mindset. This activity is a discrete opportunity to observe how things evolve and how you play a pivotal role in that evolution. You are making a measurable difference. Every single person makes a big difference. Just imagine a world without that thing you do. Who would like to live in a world without teachers, laughter or good friends?

If you are new to this practice, you might use these moments to relax and cultivate a renewed sense of gratitude for who you are. Overtime, these might be the times when you tap into your deepest dreams and gently awaken the creator within you. Because, as someone who has done that thing you do countless times, you already know what you need to create a better you and a better future for all.

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