Day 7 of my daily reflection practice inspired by Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison.
What struck me?
“The belief that it is possible to heal the world without healing ourselves first is what the Yoga Sutras call a lack of true knowledge.”
“The truth is, when we are happy we spread happiness, and when we are in pain we spread suffering.”
What does this mean in my life and practice?
The immediate thought that comes to mind when reading these quotes is the familiar reminder to put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else. I have never much cared for that comparison. It refers to what would otherwise be protocol in a tragic event, when most of our lack of self-care is far less tragic. Most of our neglect of ourselves happens in the ordinary course of living. We keep going, keep giving, and put ourselves off until later.
What I do believe is that who you are is what you deliver to the world. The energy you carry comes with you. It finds its way into your conversations, your patience, your reactions, and the way you make someone feel in your presence.
Be responsible for the energy you bring.