I keep coming across articles on social media that preach a fast track to success (and enlightenment!) for Yoga teachers, spiritual bloggers, healers and charlatans. Usually, this includes a complete abandonment of your life: quit your job, your relationship, put your kids in a home. I want to butt in here, in the comments section and scream: “don’t be stupid! No rash decisions!” But I mostly just think it. Therefore, this article.
Here and Now
I learned from Osho the importance of really living my life in the marketplace. Cultivating a living, breathing spirituality. Of course, it’s nice to feel comfortable in our jobs. And no job has to be forever. We can change and often choose. Freshly certified Yoga teachers are extremely motivated and want a steep ascent (preferably directly to the cover of a Yoga magazine). They quit their jobs on a dime and are then surprised when suddenly nothing is “Om Shanti” anymore.
It’s great to have a solid base in life. Sure, we can reach for the stars if we want, but we need to be smart, too. And most of all, we shouldn’t continually start over from scratch.
We don’t need to abandon our partner just because he still enjoys donuts, has panic attacks when we burn incense and isn’t interested in floating in nirvana with us. On the contrary, living in the marketplace means integrating the experiences we have in our daily lives. It means being a good example. Not taking ourselves too seriously. That’s the true challenge!
Life as a growth process
Life is not always peachy. With a healthy attitude, an open heart and meditation it is however possible to find fulfillment in everything we do. Running away is not the best solution; I speak from experience. Friction in our daily lives allows us to grow and flourish.
When you’ve reached a point at which you’re ready to transform your life completely, to let go of everything that no longer makes sense, then ask yourself how you can approach this transformation mindfully. Step by step.
Or maybe you’ll choose to take the pressure off and to embrace the life you’re living now with open arms. It’s all about the attitude!
#thinksmart
Madhavi
