We've all seen it. We've all done it (or have been tempted to do it.) Someone inspires us. We might know them, meet them, hear about them, watch a live lecture or TV special about them. Regardless of how we come to know about this person they awaken something within us that wants to live the lifestyle they live. Perhaps they have similar beliefs or talents to our own. They might even awaken creative juices inside that haven't been alive in years. We think....Wow! Look how successful they are. If I applied myself a bit more here and tweaked a few things over there I could do what they are doing. I mean they did it so who is to say I can't do it?
Hmmmm... maybe if I take lots of notes and study enough I can have the same success as someone else?
From here on out we become increasingly focused on learning the techniques that helped them achieve the success we want. We become vigilant. Watch their video recordings, read their books or interviews, listen to podcasts, attend seminars and/or workshops, talks and retreats. We can't get enough of it. It's exciting! It feels within reach. Ironically, we may even reach a similar status or recognition. Yet....and yet, it feels hollow. Incomplete. Inauthentic. How can this possibly be?
In the yogic teachings I am familiar with, the word dharma has an explanation for this all too common dilemma. Dharma comes from the root dhri, meaning 'to uplift to uphold.' The devotional practice of dharma yoga emphasizes good health, a clear mind and a kind heart. Another translation I've found means "to listen." My favorite interpretation comes from a live recording of Dr. Deepak Chopra. He explained there are three important components to living your dharma. The first is knowing what your dharma is. These are your natural born gifts and talents that no one else in the world quite has in the same mixture. Most people have absolutely no idea and this is precisely where it can get sticky. The temptation and desire to follow someone else's star or dharma can be incredibly strong. Intoxicating even. Here we are at our most vulnerable.
The dharmic teachings tell us that it is far greater to follow our own dreams. Our own star. And, yes.. it may very likely be bumpy, jumpy and messy. However, it is far more worthy and satisfactory then following someone else's dharma flawlessly. They have their own path. Let them have it. Admire the courage they invoked to do this. In fact, they are an example of what dharma in action looks like. For us, we need to look within and ask the questions of our Higher Self to receive our own answers. This is most often achieved during moments of quiet non-doing, dedicated to allowing ourself to really hear and feel the answers.
Here, Jyoti outlines Henna art. This comes easily to her. She has always loved art and knew that she was born with the gift.
This leads us to the second aspect of dharma--understanding. For many of us this can be the most difficult part. It took me years before I was comfortable enough to acknowledge my gifts and talents. I am telling you from personal experience that this is extremely important and incredibly rewarding. It takes courage to look within at our own gold reserves and see value in them. And, this is the stage most people often get stuck in. It's too scary (we think.) Who am I to be great? Who am I to shine? We keep telling ourselves it's okay to stay on the sidelines and keep ourselves small. Let other people shine. I only know how to play it safe. I don't know how to be a beacon of light for others without feeling guilty.
Well, I'm here to guide you to ask yourself this: Who are you not to be great? Why is it okay to settle for less than you were born to be? Why not put the energy into discovering how great you can be instead of wasting precious energy reserves on others? The world needs more people owning their beauty, their greatness, talents and creativity. This second step of dharma keeps us from falling into the trap of becoming someone else. Be you in all your magnificence and glory!
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you. And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you." Kahlil Gibran
Think about this: What attracts us to someone's message is not the actual message. It is much, much deeper than that. It's the passion and knowingness behind the message. That's what we really want. Confidence. Empowerment. Courage. Passion. In essence, these are the traits we think are missing in our lives. But, guess what? They aren't missing. They never have been. Time to welcome them back home!
Look at the beautiful Henna art designs on us.. thanks to Jyoti. Her face says it all. Jyoti, by the way, means ray of light.
This leads us to the third phase (my personal favorite.) Sharing. Referring back to the yogic teachings around dharma, they say we need to use these gifts to help others. That is why we were given these talents in the first place. To keep them stuffed inside and denied only leads to emptiness, confusion and frustration. When embraced, we not only feel the satisfaction and lightness of discovering our never-ending well of talents... we also feel the deeper meanings around sharing them. The bigger picture becomes more clear. We realize there's something much greater going on we can't explain.
We realize we have these gifts, yet they are not our gifts. Never have been. To quote Kahlil Gibran, 'they are life's longing for itself.' They are gift's bestowed upon us for this lifetime to help our fellow humans. The only thing required of us is to say Yes! A heartfelt and resounding Yes! Life takes care of the details. All that's required is for us to be willing to share with others. Take the first step. And, as the saying goes..No Man is an Island. So let's say yes to this together. Let us become the change we are most wanting to see in the world.
With Love and Light, my friends... Joanna
Current classes available: Second Saturday's Yoga. Horses and Yoga Retreat Weekends. Wisdom and Oracle Guidance Class.
Join my growing community and sign up here