As March approaches,
I feel a sense of hope in the air. Perhaps this has to do with the fact that spring enters this month!
It has been about a year since the original lock-downs due to COVID-19 & I have some reflections I would like to share ...
March is often associated with the color green. This is due to St. Patricks Day, of course. The color green is also the color of the heart chakra. The heart chakra is the 3rd energy center located at the physical heart. Spiritually this is our center of connection. Connection to our highest Self, each-other, the Universe/God/Higher power (however it resonates with you), and with all beings on this earth and beyond.
One thing this pandemic has really taught us is how connected we all truly are. We have been asked to think not only of ourselves and our loved ones, but of ALL. We have been challenged to expand our hearts and open up to the unknown.
This week in class I have been sharing the Sanskrit word "Mudita". Mudita can be translated as vicarious Joy. It is empathetic joyfulness for another. One of my teachers offered up this practice of Mudita:"Be so happy for another, it is as if it is happening for your own self." This practice is not only meant for our immediate loved ones, but for all. The practice of Mudita is to practice genuine joy for another's peace and well-being - even a stranger.
I especially like to consider Mudita when I find myself in a comparison mindset. If I find myself comparing my own skills/success/experience to other Yoga Teachers or Yoga Therapists, I remind myself of Mudita and I feel relief. I can embody Joy for them and their successes. It has taught me that in this way, everyone "wins." The joy and love is sent to the other and it comes back to me. Comparison or envy is released.
I invite you to contemplate Mudita. Catch yourself when you are judging and comparing to another and share in vicarious Joy instead. The more we do this, the more it will come back to us. We are all connected this way.