Aligning with Grace

Recently, on a walk, I was almost oblivious to the beauty surrounding me, worrying about something that I can't even remember right now. And then, out of nowhere - I felt this message, very clearly, in the depths of my soul: What was, was. What is, is. What will be, will be. I sighed. What does this even mean, you might ask? I certainly did. I cannot change the past - or maybe even what is happening right now. Whatever happens will happen regardless of what I may or may not do. I could influence some outcomes and change my life and its direction - but I can't be assured of any of those things. What I can change is my attachment to whatever happened in the past - whatever cards I am dealt with now or in the future.  I can look at things with dispassion - and accept them as they are - without attachment. I can also consider things from a non-reactive place. I can change my perspective of what happened in the past or what is occurring right now. I know, it is easier said than done...

Our lives and our days are comprised of moments... Just one moment, which leads to another... Moments are the building blocks of every hour in every day, and of ensuing weeks, months, and years... Eastern spiritual teachers observe that the present moment is all we ever have. And yet, we cannot hold on to any moment. Lord knows I've tried... I have often taught my students, that in Virabhadrasana 2 - that is - Warrior 2 pose - where the front knee is bent at a right angle with the back leg straight, torso perpendicular to the floor and the heart lifting, with arms extended to the sides at shoulder level - is a wonderful pose to illustrate the significance of living in the present moment. In this pose, our legs anchor into the earth - like firm roots - and we rise triumphantly - shoulders back, arms extended, and the heart open. If our torso remains perpendicular to the floor and our body is in alignment - we are in balance. We are in the present moment. But if we lean a...