Honoring the Divine In You

Just this morning I was thinking I "needed" to practice yoga today. And then I fell into the to-do-list crevasse. How can I spend time relaxing in a gentle pose, while so much needs to be done after so many days of illness?
It is true, taking time out of my day to exercise, often feels like I am displaying a selfish attitude towards my loved ones and friends. But...

Honoring oneself is the root to honoring others. Strengthing this basic foundation by exercising, reading, or doing whatever it is that nourishes your spirit, will provide you with a traquil disposition. When the family arrives home and you all gather together; you prepare dinner, finish the laundry, and help the children with their homework. You will find you have more to give because you have first honored yourself. You will feel peace instead of resentment.

Let me say, that I know by experience, when I don't put myself on the list, at the top of the "to-do" list, I feel resentful and sometimes display outburst of anger, as if it were my family's fault. I must be responsible enough, care enough about them, to take care of myself first, so I will be present with a calm acceptance for whatever they bring home to me.

Many feel exercise, in any form, is a means of nourishing the divine within. Yoga works best for me in this sense. When I practice yoga, my spirit is replenished and cleansed. Of course, yoga is not the only route to a renewed you. A friend of mine, walks every evening with a group of women and they discuss their belief in God and ways to incorporate more of the scripture in their daily lives. I think that is quite a fantastic "movement." I picture the loving fellowship and immense endorphins they must have afterward. What a gift to share with your family, a new, refreshed you.

Love works the same way, we need to find the love for ourselves before we can fully love another. Whatever your starting place is, you can easily more toward more self-love by practicing one simple thing a day to honor yourself; something as easy as a walk around the block with open eyes and a quiet mind unites you with the sweet beauty of the universe.
Whatever you choose to do to honor the divine within you, I promise you will be blessed with serenity. Best of all, you will have more love, respect, and tolerance for yourself. Once you recognize the benefits of gifting yourself with moments of honor, build on it, keep going, keep growing more healthy and more lovable. Create a harmonious life.
(Photo: courtesy of BoulderBodyworks; http://www.boulderbodyworks.com/