New Year’s Message
As one year ends and the new one rolls in, here at Renaissance Yoga we have much to be thankful for and much to be hopeful about.
Thanks to all of you, 2009 proved to be a most successful year in many respects: New workshops (Intro to Yoga, Eating Healthy, Yoga for Back Care etc), new classes, new sites, new opportunities, and most of all your continued inspired participation and commitment.
As we enter into 2010 I wish to reiterate words shared last night at Community Yoga (Dec 30). Actually, the below message was relayed in story form:
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. When I couldn’t change my town, then as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now as an old man I realized the only thing I can change is myself. Suddenly I realized that if I long ago had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. And their impact could have changed the nation. And I could indeed have changed the world. ~ Unknown Monk (1100CE)
As the above words suggest, one of the most empowering tools we have in life is our own example. That is enough to bring ideas to life. People are always looking for inspiration and a glimmer of light, and there are so many ways that each one of us can personify those ideals: by our skills, by our talents, by our service, and perhaps most of all by simply being human.
We live in an era where many are looking for hope. That hope is not found in computers or technology, nor in money, nor in prestige, nor in grand yachts etc; that hope is found in beating human hearts – like yours.
So remember someone seeking hope is watching – waiting to see your example shine forth. A single person’s deeds are enough to kindle the human spirit and set the entire humanity aglow.
Whether in times of happiness or despair, we should always try to remember the great significance of our own actions and realize that who we are and what we strive to be are sufficient to change the world and spread the message of welfare for all.
I wish everyone a wonderful new beginning as we together embark on this Happy New Year!!
Satyam
Here are two comments from YJ Community Members:
* Ohh good words.. Ghandi -” Be the Change that you want to See”– I am there and living and loving . – lighthasmass
* Thank you…Great words..Wish you a peaceful and healthy New Year..HAriom Tat Sat. – Siva
Love the last paragraph which begins with “whether in times of happiness….”. Just back from another glorious trip to see our family in Switzerland. Much love and joy in this new year. sandi
“To work in the world lovingly means that we are defining what we are for, rather than reacting to what we are against.” ~Christina Baldwin, teacher, writer, speaker
Thank you, thank you! I just love that I read this right off the mat on New Year’s Day. What a great beginning!
– amy@yogawithspirit.com
Satyam, Happy New Year. I’m still getting your emails and I love them. Thank you for continuing to be the positive person you are. Even miles and miles away you continue to affect my lifestyle. I miss you and your classes. Yoga’s not close to me but I am still working out at Curves. Very glad to see your Yoga classes growing and getting better all the time. Keep up the good work. Sue B.
Happy New year to all at Renaissance Yoga. I must say, this site has truly added to my yoga experience. The tools provided here adds much growth to each aspect of my yoga practice. Each time I visit this site, I leave with a feeling of foundation, peace, and encouragement.
We are what we think. Make sure your actions are not reactions.
Paloma