Finding Our Path

We probably all know someone who appears to be completely aligned with their path. Their energy and talents are beautifully harnessed and directed, they seem to intuitively understand their true calling and radiate their light brightly. In yoga philosophy, this is known as Dharma. For many of us identifying our path can seem a little more challenging, after all there seem to be infinite options and many crossroads to choose between. How do we determine which way to go? Perhaps this is where connecting with our dharma can guide us on our individual journey.

Be resolutely and faithfully what you are; be humbly what you aspire to be

Henry Thoreau

Dharma can be translated as path, teaching, sacred duty, our own true deep individual nature. It is unique to each individual and can certainly change, develop and evolve as we move through life. In Yoga philosophy there is a foundational text called The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient scripture with deep insights on dharma. The text guides us to follow our own unique purpose, align our actions towards it and let go of any attachment to it so we may be free from worrying about any outcome and results. Wisely, it also teaches us that is it far better to live our own, perhaps imperfect path, then follow someone else's path as that may only lead to more inner conflict.

So how do we fulfilll our dharma?

I guess as with all things it begins with listening, turning inwards, this is where the yoga practice of self study, Svadhyaya, can guide. Svadhyaya is one of the five Yoga Niyamas (the second limb of Patanjali's eightfold yoga path). The Niyamas can be viewed as a map of core values to help guide us on our journey. We can use our yoga, meditation, sacred study, rituals and quiet reflection practices as a place of internal observation and introspection to help us shift away from the noise of the external world and connect to and hear our inner guide. Through these reflection practices we may find that we start to become more aware of what aligns with us, what actions come naturally to us, what brings us joy, how we best serve others and our communities - they are all valuable insights and dots to connect to gain a deeper understanding of our own purpose. The writer and mythologist Joseph Campbell has one of my favourite quotes on this, perhaps because it is simple, direct and easy to remember!

Follow your bliss

It is a call to identify and pursue our deepest inner passion so we may lead a life of authenticity and meaning. It is listening to our joy, letting it guide our choices, and trusting that the universe will open doors where needed. I feel that perhaps most importantly, we do not need to think of it all as some great event or destination that we must decide today and never sway from! Rather that we give ourselves the space, time and patience to reflect and connect so we can simply start walking our own path with intention, however small or simple those steps may feel. If we are present and open to possibilities that align and resonate with our inner nature, perhaps that is where we will experience more of a natural flow to life. We can start to embrace that we are on our own unique journey with all the inevitable ups and downs that may bring, we just continue to approach it with grace and commitment.

Those who flow as life flow know they need no other force

Lao Tzu