Discipline of Thought

Earlier this fall, I was in a rut. I had to let go of something I had cherished and I really didn’t want to. So, instead of letting go and moving on, I stayed stuck in the rut and clung to the hope that the something would return. I felt unfulfilled, empty and helpless. And you know what kept me there? The fact that I kept saying the phrase “I’m just in a rut.”

After a little coaching from my peers at work, I was reminded of the principle of D.O.T., or discipline of thought. How we think, speak and act all influence our state of being.

Soon after that realization, I dropped the story that I was stuck and I began to feel better.

I dedicated my time to my practice, my work and my health. I refocused my energy on my teaching and my goals, both personally and professionally. I began to flourish. My optimism for life returned and I felt a sense of accomplishment and personal validation. I was back to my vibrant self, exuding confidence and happiness to anybody I encountered.

The other day, I discovered something rather disappointing and I was blindsided. I tend to think disappointment is generally worse than sadness, fear, (insert emotion here).

Disappointment is defined as “the feeling of displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.” I felt displeased and my hope was definitely shattered.

I could have easily returned to the rut when I felt unfulfilled, empty and helpless but instead, I figured out a way to stay strong. I allowed myself the time to process it all but limited that time to 24 hours. I cried. I wrote. I sat with the darker emotions.

I reached out to a select few of my closest family, friends and yogis. The best part was that they didn’t tell me exactly what I wanted to hear but rather what I needed to hear. The truth can hurt but everything really does happen for a reason and there is a lesson in it all.

Turns out, I didn’t even need the full 24 hours. I was my positive and jubilant self in no time. I knew it was time to let go and move on and I created space to make that happen. Ask me again in about a week or so but the D.O.T. will undoubtedly carry me through.

If you are feeling stuck or unfulfilled at the close of 2014, try your best to manifest the blessings that are ahead on your path. Repeat this mantra to yourself:

I deserve love. I embody love. I am love.

A sincere dose of gratitude goes to the important people in my life. I adore you and am so grateful for your wisdom, your guidance and your love.

Until next time,

Denelle