The bookends of life

We often spend our days in ways not considering that time is finite. And then something happens, whether coming face to face with our own mortality, or that of a loved one. There is a pause, a sense of disbelief and a crumbling of all the ways that life is comfortable and predictable. With the flick of a switch, life is topsy turvy. Often it may become a time of reflection, of choices made, relational patterns exposed. For some, an opportunity to make amends and yoke closer, for others perhaps time to take a solo path. Either way, how we have lived each day can influence how we approach difficult times.

It brings to mind a conversation in my Yoga Therapy training, where the lecturer discussed Nietzsche's Eternal Recurrence concept, that asks how you would live your life if you were destined to repeat your exact life to this point over and over for eternity, including all its joys and all its sorrows? This question gave many of us pause for thought. The lecturer's comment was along the lines of 'if the answer is no, what can you do right now to begin to make the answer a yes? How can you make considered decisions going forward that make the next part of your life so fulfilling, satisfying, and loving that you would gladly do the rest to get to this point?' I think about this often, and whilst the decisions I have made since have not always been the right ones, they have been driven by curiosity and bravery, rather than obligation or fear.

So, if you find yourself in a situation that has you pressed closer to sorrow than joy, what can you do? How can you behave in a way that you would be prepared to do again and again? There is no one right answer, each life situation is unique. However, courage, compassion (for yourself and others) and connection often provide a stable foundation to build upon. A foundation that helps you find your feet as you make your way forward.

Life and death are bookends for each of us. The space in between is where we have choices, so many choices, about how we spend our days. What intentional decision can you make today that you would gladly do again? What small action can you take for yourself or another to create a spark of joy? How can you weave more moments of satisfaction, love and clarity into the brilliant tapestry of your life?

With love

❤️

Amanda xxx

PS. If you need a quiet place for contemplation, join me for a Savasana Session. Perfect to find space, clarity and a deep sense of calm.

Saturday 27 June and Saturday 1 August

9.30am to 11.30am

and

1pm to 3pm

$60pp

Click here to book.