Spring Awakenings

Every spring when the cherry trees burst forth into their pink and white splendour, I am reminded that we too are given the gift of re- birth and new beginnings. Currently, I am revisiting a dream of mine to become a yoga teacher. I’ve already done one teacher training course about four years ago but due to circumstances in my life, I never actually taught yoga and tried to bury the dream deep inside. My dream soon became covered under such thoughts as “Who are you to think that you can teach yoga? “, and obsessive thoughts about my weight, not owning any Lululemon clothes…you name it my ego threw it at me. But the dream refused to die. After driving myself mad with indecision (okay, and everyone in my life). I was faced with a choice: teach what I love, or finally shut that door and my mouth. It can be seen as a coincidence that my teacher training started in the spring, but I am a huge believer in synchronicity, and to take it a step further that Nature herself gives us messages and symbols to teach and guide us…if only we take the time to listen.

Recently, I had an interesting experience at the yoga studio where I am attending the teacher training. I showed up early for a class at the location that I don’t usually frequent, but was meeting a new yoga buddy and she suggested we try this class. I was out in the hall daydreaming, as I had tried the door and it was locked when one of the instructors suddenly appeared in the hall and asked me to give the key to the studio to the instructor who was to be teaching the next class. This is where the universe had a good chuckle at my expense. I was standing in front of the door, not realizing it was unlocked with other students gathering in the hall with me and although I had the key….I didn’t open the door. I had an irrational fear that the studio may have an alarm that I could set off. Even though, I had been given permission to enter. Standing at the threshold, the instructor came back for some reason and found us all in the hall…and said to me, “the door is open and you have the key!”

How often in your life have the stars aligned and you find yourself standing in the doorway to new opportunities, but second guessed yourself? It happens to all of us. The lesson I humbly learned that day was a metaphor for life- Walk through that door and push past the voice of ego that holds us in our comfort zone safe from growth and change. It may mean that we act even if we are scared and uncertain of the outcome. Nature shows us that when the conditions are right, the blossoms just manifest. Don’t hold yourself back from blossoming.

What is currently about to blossom in your life? What dreams have been cultivating in your consciousness during the sleepy winter, that are now ready to manifest?
Action is the necessary step that we alone can take. Nature can show us that the time is now, but WE must find the courage deep within ourselves to move forward and see what is on the other side of that door.

For me, that day, it was an amazing yoga class with a teacher who inspired me, and created a nurturing environment to explore the asana practice in a new way. In short, she was exactly the type of teacher that I hope to one day blossom into. I took all of the signs from that day as guidance that I am on the right path and exactly where I need to be in life. I will not let my fears hold me back from moving forward…and had a good laugh at my own expense.

I hope that you also will give yourself permission to see the gifts in your own life, recognize the messages from Nature, and use the guidance and new understanding to spring into new areas of your own life. Enjoy the butterflies in your belly and the anticipation of the unknown and use your sense of humour as an ally. Blossom my friend, your life is waiting.