A few years ago, my daughter gave me a birthday card with this quote by Elsie de Wolfe:
It was, by far, one of my all-time favorite cards and it's a sentiment that keeps coming back to me. Cathy Heller, at the beginning of each episode of her podcast, 'Don't Keep Your Day Job', says that she believes the opposite of depression is not happiness, it’s purpose. In yoga, your purpose in life, along with living by a moral code, is called your "dharma" and refers to an individual's true calling in life and their spiritual discipline. So, I think the words of Elsie de Wolfe spoke to me because they were, in a way, leading me to, or reminding me of, my purpose, or my dharma.
I think this time in quarantine has given me a renewed knowing of my purpose, my dharma. I think it has been there all along (at least since I was a teenager and maybe even before that), but this extra time we have all had to reflect, or as Shelly, of Humble Seed Yoga says, "to self-remember", has brought everything back to me and has given me a sense of resolve as to what I am doing here and what I am supposed to be doing here, in this life.
My purpose, my dharma: working with my hands; being creative; knowing how to take care of my body, mind and spirit; and helping others by sharing what I know. Why? How do I know? Because those are the things that I truly get lost in, that I am truly passionate about, that I am always thinking about, and that I know, after many years of reflecting and lately, self-remembering, I have been put here on this earth, in this life, to do.
I'm lucky that I have been able to live most of my life fulfilling this purpose- being a mother, being a grandmother, being a teacher and having time to devote to the things that fill me up- body, mind and spirit. Now, as I head toward retirement, my focus is on doing those things, with more intention and focus and with a more flexible schedule, so I am more available to my family.
But... I need your help!
It would make me so happy if you would consider any or all of the following:
1) Visit this space to read my posts about all things yoga, health (of body, mind, and spirit) and sometimes just life in general.
2) Practice yoga with me- online via YouTube or in person, in a group setting or private session.
3) Create with me via YouTube (and/or, in the near future, creating with me in person via private or group lessons).
At this point, I am still in the learning stages on the technology end, so everything is available on YouTube, for FREE! If you have ever wanted to try yoga or creating things with your hands, now is the time! (And, if you like it, please "Like" 👍, Share, and subscribe 😊 if you feel so inclined!) Look for longer, more in-depth, fee-based art and/or yoga sessions and workshops in the near future.
So, I hope you will join me, even if it's just "once in a while", to come together, to move our bodies, to strengthen our minds, and to make our world, even if it's just our own little piece of the "world", more beautiful. Maybe, in the process, if you are still looking for your dharma, you will find it. It has been known to happen that way!
Until then, do you know your dharma, your purpose? If so, leave a comment and let me know how I can help you!!
I will leave you with links to my most recent art video (Layered Journal Pages) and yoga video (Yin Yoga: Focus on the Chakras- with improved sound- yay!!).
Until next time,
Be Still.
Be Strong.
Be Happy.
And Be Graceful and Good. ~ Juli
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