Monday, January 1, 2018

Honoring the Ending

by Chaya Spencer

While we look forward to the New Year, it’s also important to look back and honor what has come before.

As I said goodbye to my daughter and sent her back to University in Scotland for her last semester and the end of her studies and time as a dependent under our roof, I feel deep sadness.  At the same time, deep joy at the adventure of life that awaits her as she steps forward on her own to discover, create and find her heart’s passion.  In the ending is the beginning, and I am filled to the brim with both.

In Anusara yoga our first principle is to Open to Grace.  We attempt to begin every pose by softening and honoring that we are held by something that supports us through our lives.  And yet, Open to Grace is also always at the ending.  The cycle moves in a full rotation.  We must honor what has brought us to where we stand at the moment: the things we’ve learned, struggled with, celebrated and grieved – the full spectrum of life.  It is only by fully embracing the ending that we can move into the next beginning.

As Melody Beattie writes in Journey to the Heart:
The journey of a year is drawing to a close.  Cherish the moments, all of them, event the ups and downs.  Cherish the places you’ve visited, the people you’ve seen.  Say good-bye to those whose journeys have called them someplace else.  Know you can always call them back by thinking loving thoughts.  Know all those you love will be there for you w hen you need them most.  Honor the lessons you’ve learned, and the people who helped you learn them.  Honor the journey you soul mapped out for you.  Trust all the places you’ve been.  Make a scrapbook in your heart to help you remember…Take time to honor the ending – though it’s never really the end.

May we each fully honor 2017 and may 2018 bring each of us – every human and creature on the planet - peace, joy, health and fullness.

May blessings abound.  Happy New Year!

Love,


Chaya

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