Breaking Out of Your Shell

Take the egg- at some point the baby chick gains some form of awareness – and recognizes its need to go – stretch beyond its current boundaries – confines – limitations; to feed, to grow.  That is what we each have to do to move past our own current habits – ideas – self imposed limitations. ‘Oh, I did this to my knee and now I can’t ever do that again.  Oh, this weight MUST come off BEFORE I could ever think about doing something like that! Nothing could be farther from the truth. We may not be able to put our ankles behind our heads – but we can stand up taller – open our hearts wider – AND change the way we see ourselves.

Last March I began a new endeavor. I decided to stop working in an office and start following my dream to teach. I gave up my lists at the same time. I like making lists. They provide me with a reassurance of purpose.  I know this about me. I also know that when I don’t make them I tend to feel lost – even knowing I have plenty to do – I instead – don’t.  I know I’m not alone in this. Some, no, most days I just want to pretend it doesn’t matter – of course I avoid mirrors to avoid my own criticism. So, as I write this I am taking up that habit again because it helps me break my comfy little shell.

Don’t get me wrong! I do get plenty of work done every day. But I could do so much more.  I do believe that social media really distracts. Television, Facebook, etc. are all things that can take over your day – but at the same time to remain part of the current world – and in contact with other humans – you must adapt and modify your communication style.  But don’t abandon the traditional forms!  Otherwise how are we meeting people these days? What I see (mostly) are church based groups, school activities with both parents and children and things like team sports and gym events where parents and kids interact. I don’t see neighbors anymore that know each other. Sure, a couple of people on a block may know each other, but how well do you know your neighbors? I am no better – I condemn my own lack of extended hand - Open door – Lighted Bar-b-q. But we all should work to change that.

I listened to a young lady the other day telling her dad how a girl friend had cancelled plans with her via text just an hour before they were supposed to go out. She said that she texted her response that “an adult wouldn’t cancel at the last minute and not give a reason why.” I REALLY wanted to say that an adult would actually pick up the phone and find out what is really wrong. Talk to the person and get the human reaction and work on their relationship. An adult, a human, should work on human relations.

OK you say. You SAY that, but how do we then act it out? Maybe just by keeping eye contact with someone you are passing on your own street. Long enough to exchange a nod and a smile?  I can say, though it can be hard at first - that it has been working. I have even been getting a wave from my neighbors before I even notice them.  Also, try it at the grocery store and coffee shops. Make new friends through familiarity.  If you are paying attention to those around you everyday – that is a step in cracking your shell. You make the world a smaller, more loving place to hang out.  All you have to do is crack that shell. That first crack of bright light – and your world is already changing.

When it comes to breaking your own negative physical habits, you can do the same thing. Be more aware of how you are standing, sitting, walking. Add intention to your every action. You will not only notice what is wrong, but you will start to see what is right.  You will not only notice how YOU are standing, but take notice of those around you. Maybe even take the time to open up and compliment someone where you noticed something nice about them.  Your hair looks great today!  That is a really pretty top you are wearing.  You may even find that, if you take the time to be more self-aware, the things that used to upset you are just insignificant background noise.

In Anusara Yoga we focus on the good.  The first lesson is to look at the big picture and see the beauty in every person.  THEN you only look to enhance the experience of the pose.  Enliven the energy that you are feeling with each breathe you take.  The first step in cracking your shell ON the mat is to set your foundation and open to grace. Open to the possibility that you can be anything. Be willing to ride the river of life, even when the current is wild and you are afraid to get wet.  I love when I see someone doing the tree pose for the first time.  I like to remind them that they are palms, swaying in the breezes of hurricane season. Not rocks on the bottom of the river, just being washed over or swept away.  Palm trees bend to the harsh winds without breaking. So how do I come back around to the beginning?  Back to the chicken in the egg? Well, I just did. I invite you to crack that shell.