What does it look and feel like when you really commit to you each day?
In this world of quick fixes and instant gratification, a daily devotional practice, no matter how small, has become a bit of a lost art (can seem like another thing we should be doing and a bit like hard work without immediate rewards). But there’s something about committing to yourself every day and really seeing it through that bolsters self-worth and gives you a sense of confidence in your ability to move through any resistance, (believe me that 5:45am alarm for morning meditation will give you a chance to challenge that one!), and really show up for you.
And the ancients knew a thing or two about commitment. In some traditions, they would keep a fire burning from winter solstice through to the new year to ensure light in the darkness, each person playing their part in the tribe to keep the light burning for the collective. Understanding that their personal efforts had a wider impact beyond just them, that they were part of something bigger.
And that’s really the beauty of it, as Mother Teresa said: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”
So, what ripples do you want to create in your life? From my own experience, it’s the simple practices done daily without attachment to the outcome that are the most potent. Think taking 5 conscious intentional self-loving breaths before you get out of bed in the morning or really taking time to look at yourself in the mirror first thing and celebrating you by high fiving yourself, (yes really – there’s actual science to support this one, check out Mel Robbins' book if you don’t believe me!).
It’s not a quick fix, it’s not even glamorous or aspirational, if I’m honest, it often feels like work, but I can see each day I cast that stone across the water with awareness and the intention to create positive change in my life, that same positive energy ripples out life into my relationships with people and to nature itself.
So, next time you find yourself shopping around for another course or teacher or thing to do, stop! Commit to one daily practice for a month and stick with it and just be curious about the journey it takes you on.
If this resonates and you’d like some more practical ideas on how to incorporate this into your life, then join me ON ZOOM for 45 minutes of yoga on Tuesdays 7:30am - I promise it will be worth getting up early for! PJs welcome! DM me for the link/details.
Photo - me committed to getting a family shot. Not quite what I intended but everyone is in it nonetheless!