Take a step back from big dreams. — Yoga trail talks

This year time has taken on a different meaning for me. I became an empty nester. Instead of spending the afternoon hours shuttling the kids from one activity to another, I have time to myself.

Like a parched desert traveler in an oasis, I spent my first few months enjoying my precious time. I created nothing and accomplished nothing. I spent much of the afternoon driving to a single yoga class or walking a trail. I would eat dinner alone and then drive all the way back home.

At some point I must have finally quenched my thirst, because I began to think of time as a commodity. Now he had time to spend, so what great things was he going to do with it? For the first time in a long time, I began to daydream about the future. At first, these daydreams about big plans and big ideas gave me energy and enthusiasm. But as someone who has received a nice windfall of money (but nowhere near a jackpot), this idea of ​​how to spend my newfound time started to become less about dreams and more about what I couldn’t have.

Last week I started reading The Dali Lama’s Book of Joy and found my thoughts about time changing once again. The Dali Lama speaks of time as a wisdom that is being lost. We all know that modern society advances at incredible speeds. But take this description further by observing that we seem to be pursuing our best lives but always feel like we are two steps behind. And he worries about what this is doing to our happiness. It suggests something radical: using our precious, precious time to build simple happiness, not big dreams.

After going hungry as a busy mom, this seems like a waste. I know how precious time is! How can I belittle him without doing anything big and important with him? And yet, what is more important than simple happiness?

Yoga philosophy talks about a process called Viveka. Viveka It’s being raw and honest about the simple goodness and righteousness that is in your life right now. Not your goals, not your hopes and dreams. But what simple parts of your life are good and right today?

I guess time, like money, doesn’t bring you happiness. You need to take the time to discern. So here are my insights from the New Year’s season.

1. Does this bring me into a routine? Does it give me a feeling of being settled?

2. Does this bring me connection? Does this connect me with others? Does this connect me to my higher power?

3. Does this bring me mindfulness or creativity? Does this give me space to think?

Happy new year,

Laura