The Journey Within

"The only real journey is the one within." ~ Rainer Maria Wilke

The long days of summer are here, and I am relishing the slow pace and simple schedule with the intention of softening into quiet mornings, afternoons in the garden, gentle beach strolls and musical evenings.

This summer, I am committed to enjoying the journey rather than the destination. To not be so focused on what I am planning to do or making happen, whether it be changes to my home or in my life. 

Summer reminds us that we have plenty of time if only we allow for it.       I hope you will make time for the things you love and that matter most. 

When we are often so focused on the next thing, we lose connection to the beauty of the everyday. There is joy to be found in the little moments when we intend to stay present in the now and not get too caught up on the outcome or how we think it should look and instead welcome what shows up. When we are present to the moment, our needs become clearer, and we are able to listen and respond. 

Possibly there’s one specific area in your life where you’ve been working really hard to evolve and grow, whether that’s a project, a relationship, an idea that you’re realizing or something that you’re working on for yourself. Or maybe you want less stress, less worrying about the future and feeling less anxiety about the past. 

Perhaps this is the reminder you need to really slow down and let go of a little bit of control and not focus so much on the end goal and what that has to look like so you can actually enjoy it because the process really is about living living your life.

Of course, the journey isn’t always smooth. It is often bumpy, with plenty of ups and downs. We all have challenging times and easeful times filled with grace. That is the human experience. If we don’t learn how to really arrive in the present moment and truly enjoy the process in all the ways we are growing, then we’re going to be missing out on a lot of life. 

To do that, we must incorporate enough moments and practices into our daily lives that bring us a sense of the here and now, that take us out of the thinking, judgmental mind and into the body that takes us straight back home and into the heart.

What are a few of the practices you can invite more of into your life? Are there some things that bring you peace, ease and joy?

It could be spending time with a good book, by yourself or with a trusted friend, swinging in a hammock, journaling, writing, tending to your garden or moving or relaxing your body.

In the quiet moments, we connect to ourselves and are open to all that life has to offer us right here and now.

As a teacher and lifelong student of yoga, we call it the practice because that is what it is. It is not a specific outcome we are reaching to obtain. It is quite honestly the practice of showing up and being present with what is. 

The practice is about living – Living your life.

"And at the end of the day, there is nothing but the journey. Because destination is pure illusion." ~ Rich Roll

Enjoy where this summer might take you, and may this letter be a reminder to enjoy the journey and let go of the destination.