Performing Action for the Sake of Action
Hello Dear Friends,
It’s great to be here again with you, four months after my last newsletter. I should rename this newsletter to “The Infrequent Newsletter” or “Learning (And Hopefully One Day Mastering) the Art of Self Discipline: How To Send a Regular Newsletter and Respond to an Email”. As a self-employed individual, I find that being your own boss can be challenging. I report to nobody but myself, which can be both a blessing and a curse. However, I am committed to improving in this area and doing my best to provide more regular updates for you.
Before I continue, if you have found your way to my corner of the internet without subscribing 1. yay! and 2. let me help you with that…
Exciting news! I'm getting ready to launch many new virtual classes soon, and I'm also working hard to achieve some major personal and business goals. Throughout this process, I've found guidance and inspiration in these three powerful verses from the Bhagavad Gita:
2.47: As for you, do the work that comes to you — but don’t look for the results. Don’t be motivated by the fruits of your actions, nor become attached to inaction.
2.48: Equanimity of mind is Yoga. Do everything, Arjuna, centered in that equanimity. Renouncing all attachments, you’ll enjoy an undisturbed mind in success or failure.
Yoga reminds us to focus on putting in genuine effort without being preoccupied by thoughts of success or failure. While it's certainly not an easy task, we can practice this by seeking out simple and relatively low-stakes experiences. For instance, practicing a yoga pose that may challenge or typically agitate us, teaching a dog a new trick, experimenting with a new recipe, or attempting a new sport.
2.49: Work done for the sake of some results is much lower than that done in mental equilibrium, Arjuna. Wretched are those motivated by the fruits of their actions.
By fully committing to these experiences and being content with the process, we can learn to cultivate true enthusiasm for the effort itself, rather than total and utter attachment to only the results. As we continue to apply these teachings in small and simple ways, we can gradually expand and integrate them into more significant aspects of our lives such as our careers, relationships, and personal growth. How freeing it may be to exist in life for the sake of existence itself, rather than for the sake of winning, or avoiding losing.
May we offer effort for the sake of effort, without attachment to the outcome, in all moments big and small.
May we approach life with the principles of dharma, courage, and gratitude, and allow them to guide our actions.
May we acknowledge that success and failure do not define our worth or completeness.
And may we remember that within us lies a sense of wholeness that cannot be shaken by external circumstances.
A Playlist for You:
Would You Be Willing to Write Me a Testimonial?
As I continue to grow my business, I am looking to collect testimonials from current students & clients to showcase on my website and social media platforms.
If you have had a positive experience practicing yoga with me, I would be honored if you could take a few minutes to write a brief testimonial about your experience. This can include how yoga has impacted your physical and mental health, any changes you have noticed in your body or mind, how my teaching style has helped you achieve your goals, or anything else that feels true for you.
Your words would be incredibly helpful in not only growing my business, but also in inspiring others to join the yoga community and experience the benefits of the practice.
If you are willing to share your experience, please reply to this email with your testimonial or send me a direct message on social media. Please let me know if you would like your name to be included with your testimonial or if you prefer to remain anonymous.
Thank you for your support and dedication to your practice. I look forward to continuing our yoga journey together.
I love you!
Current Public Teaching Schedule:
Monday: 6:00 - 7:00pm Love Story Larkspur
Tuesday: 6:15 - 7:30pm Love Story Valencia
Wednesday: 12:15 - 1:00pm Equinox Van Mission
Thursday: 4:30 - 5:45pm Love Story Valencia / 7:15-8:00pm Equinox Van Mission
Friday: 9:30 - 10:30am Love Story Valencia
Thank you for your words of wisdom. The disciplines you describe are a life-long practice. Don't give up. (I know you won't) 🤍