Wow, what a journey, so far! It’s like participating in a Neil Gaiman book, my path for yoga has been filled with wonderful adventures, in a world of unknown. Raised as a merchant’s son, monetary success and the quality of possessions always got emphasized as the sole goal for a successful life. The security it brings, both psychologically or physically, also creates certain amount of ego which I had entertained in my mind countless times.
But a few years ago I had been reevaluating the whole concept of money, it creates countless strings that move and bind; drives our society, but also manifests obligations. However, my question has always been; Is it worth to sacrifice health and relationships for money? My answer is a definite no.
I heard this little story long time ago: “On the deathbed, would you say - I wish I had worked longer hours? Or, I wish I had spent more time with my loved ones.” The lesson of the story, also the answer to it was obvious. Money can’t buy happiness, true. However, I do understand lack of money could definitely cause hardship and conflict. I guess the biggest lesson is to know what is sufficient, to strive for a true balance.
Two and half years ago, I had come to a decision. When I was lying in bed and unable to rest, though arrived home at 4am after work, from one of the countless similar nights. It had been few weeks then that my body was showing signs of severe strain. “How long would I last? Am I truly happy?” I asked myself, for all the good money it promised? On that night (morning), I finally brought my heart, mind and body back into unison.
Propped up by a staff made with personal studies and practices, I have been carefully treading this path of yoga. It is filled with excitement of new sceneries, but also a deep sense of unknown panic. So many times I would sit idly in front of the computer, wondering if I should send out another group email for class offering, the shadow of fear loomed wide. Then a clear voice would say to me, “what’s the worst it would happen? no one would come, and it would hurt only your ego, but nothing else.”
Indeed, I’ve learnt to deal with my ego during my youth, it is a sense of self assurance through approval of others. Right now, I have only myself to prove, so I ‘thrust” myself out there, and celebrate even if only one person replied with a YES! To conclude my thought, I would like to share with whomever reading this post, a song lyric which echoed with my soul powerfully by Deva Premal & Miten. I hope it would also lit up a light in your heart like it did mine, and illuminates your path.
Sing your own song
Beat your own drum
Fly on the wind, it will carry you
Dance your own dance
It’s a beautiful chance
Fly on the wind, it will carry you
Why hesitate when there’s nothing to fear
Why do we wait with the moment so near
Be your own lightKeep your heart strong and...
Sing your own song
Sing your own song
Beat your own drum
Fly on the wind, it will carry you
Let yourself go
Say yes, don’t say no
Fly on the wind, it will carry you
Why hesitate when there’s nothing to fear
Why do we wait with the moment so near
Be your own lightKeep your heart strong and...
Sing your own song
Why hesitate when there’s nothing to fear
Why do we wait with the moment so near
Be your own light
Keep your heart strong and...
Sing your own song
Be your own light
Keep your heart strong and
Sing your own song