It’s been over two weeks but I’ve had my last blog on my mind. Forgive me, but I think there’s just a bit more to say. I’ll keep it short and sweet. Well, I’ll try anyway.

First, a recap. Everything in this universe has a polar opposite including the inevitable pushback to all of my good efforts and actions. And in all circumstances and all given times, there are a host of opposing options for me to focus on. Blessings, curses, gains and losses—they are all there and part of every curriculum. But in a world gone mad and with nervous systems that love to find fault, how can we possibly focus on the good stuff? 

I’ve an idea.

There is a principle purported in the Yoga Sutras called pratipaksha bhavana, cultivating the opposite. I have learned that for whatever the situation I find myself up against, the opposite is usually one of four things—compassion, gratitude, forgiveness and/or acceptance (also known as surrender).

And speaking of surrender: I am thinking of the autumn leaves and the holy journey from bud to mulch each of them are on. They are getting ready to let go, my little teachers. They won’t kick, scream or resist. They will simply and effortlessly let go. I wish it were that easy for me. Alas. As much as I’d love to, it is often hard for me to accept that past moment, this present moment or those people doing that thing over there (or right here, actually.) I’d like to control all that I am pretty sure should go my way—which, by the way, is just about everything.

I would venture to say that you are in the same boat.

I had a teacher recently say, “Everything you do today is a vote for who you want to be tomorrow.” I love this but I would add one word because I have found that change doesn’t happen in grand sweeping gestures. It happens in millions of teeny, tiny moments of grace when self-awareness sparks the question, “Does this thought, word or deed contribute to who I hope to be moments, hours or days from now” and when a little inner shift happens in turn. 

So, here’s my revision to the adage: “Every little thing you do today is a vote for who you want to be tomorrow.” If you’re fixated on suffering or your wheels are stuck in the caked, muddy ruts of ancient habits, what opposite can be applied right now?” If there's a gap between who you are today and who you hope to be tomorrow, what will help you build a bridge between the two and how can you apply it over and over again and in the smallest of ways?

I cast a vote this morning. I hated to but I had to. And I know it will make tomorrow’s version of me a better one for me, for you and for the world. As easy as the leaf makes it appear, the work is hard but I’m in the fight, trying alongside you, mostly letting go in all things and in all ways.

Much love, 

Crystal

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