My journey through yoga over the last 10 years has enriched my life in many ways, but perhaps none greater than the wisdom it has given me to realize that less is truly more. When I began practicing yoga, I was your generic type A overachiever - always taking on tons of projects and finding more and more to do and accomplish, as somehow these accomplishments made me worthy or important.
Through yoga, I came to realize that we are all worthy and important, regardless of what kind of job we have or how much money we make or how long our list of accomplishments on our resume. I began to see the value in just being, rather than doing all the time. But that lesson came into much sharper focus when I became someone's mother. It suddenly became much easier to give up a strong sense of focus on pursuing money or traditional career success, because now I had something much great on which to focus my energy and attention - both my daughter and helping to create space for her growth and self-realization, but also honing the energy and attention I spend towards my own.
I began to say no, to drop projects, to quit odd side jobs - all things that put my focus where it is fleeting and false - and clear space in my life to be present with my daughter and give any professional efforts toward what would maximize my ability to help our family realize our vision of being in the world and give back what I can to others instead of the long held, self centered model from before.
It is from this space that I choose to simplify my life in as many ways as I can. I avoid a 9-5, traffic infused, rat-race paced routine. I working from home and teach yoga during off hours - so I have the flexibility to be the primary presence and companion to my daughter(s), so I have the time to exercise, sleep and not sacrifice what should be basic self care, yet so many neglect. I live in a modest home that is close to nature and to my in-laws so that both can be a regular part of my daughter(s) life and I don't have to do the "rat race" just to afford a huge house in a "prime" location. It is from this space that I am seriously considering "unschooling" my daughter(s) so they enjoy the same freedom and blessings that I feel by being able structure my life in this way - letting each moment in life be teacher, making space for opportunity to explore creativity and spirit, intellect and vision.
I certainly still have dreams about what I want to be and do in this world, but I feel like my priorities are aligned at this moment in time and I know that even if this moment is the pinnacle of what I have achieved, it is enough - I love, I am loved.
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