So you might say that, as a yoga practitioner, I see the world through rose-coloured glasses. As a yogi (someone who practises yoga) our practice (the actual doing the yoga part) helps us become a little more positive, happier, grateful people. As some people may roll their eyes, most people listen more attentively because they want that too. Who doesn’t want that? Isn’t that the purpose of life?
Sitting in a philosophy class, our teacher asked, “What is the meaning of life?” This answer I couldn’t find in a book. It was so frustrating! I researched everywhere and could not find this answer.
Having practised yoga for 17 years, it wasn’t until about six years ago that I really started understanding the deeper levels of the yoga practice. With the ups and down of relationships, children, work and health, yoga has been the mainstay to help deal with life, if you will. With every inhale we take to rise up we invite good vibrations and energy into us, with every exhale we release anything that is no longer serving us positively. With the practice of yoga, this cycle is embedded into us with every breath we take. This is why we feel so amazing after practising. This goes back to the Law of Attraction. What we give is what we get. Just look at the relationships around you. Are you always surrounded by negative people? Do you always feel unlucky? Do you see other people enjoying their life around you and you wonder why that can’t be you? It can be. It’s in your mindset. Train yourself to think positive. Smile at people, be compassionate, support your friends and family, be a little more kind. Choose happiness. I promise you it will change your life. Yoga for me was that tool I needed to be able to understand this process. Time by yourself without the noise of social media, or speaking to another person, as you focus inward on yourself, truly works miracles for the most broken of people. As a yoga teacher, this is what I live for, seeing these changes in people who literally felt all hope was gone.
So to think back to that question, “What is the meaning of life?” I truly feel the answer for me is to be happy. Find happiness in all forms. No matter what your current situation is, or what life events have done to you, find that happiness. This is hard for people, I know. I see the negativity – the sadness, depression, the hatred, and the lack of self-acceptance people put out there every day.
If you really want to be happy, then it is up to you to make that choice. Every day you wake up, you can use a mantra (a phrase or special message to yourself that you repeat over and over until you start believing what you’re saying). Your mantra can be “Today I choose happiness”
Look at yourself in the mirror when you wake up. Take deep breaths, and repeat that mantra 12 times. Anytime you catch yourself again, repeat the phrase. Looking in your rear view mirror, your reflection etc. Do something that makes you happy. If you don’t know what that might be, start small. Playing with your children, taking a dog for a walk, petting a cat, going for a walk, and learning something new, and my favourite – doing something every day that scares you a little bit. You might even surprise yourself where you find your own happiness. Your tool might be yoga, or it might be something else.
Your happiness is not dependent on how much money you have, your belongings, your appearance, or your relationships with other people. Happiness, and peace begins with you. This life is too short to think otherwise.
Find your own meaning of your life, and if you get the choice and I know you do, choose happiness!