MESSAGE #778 I DID THE IMPOSSIBLE!!
“The most exquisite paradox: As soon as you give it all up you can have it all.”
-RAM DASS
Today I did the impossible.
I hate running. Well, I like interval running, but I hate jogging. I know it’s all about conditioning, but I just have never gotten into it.
This morning, I took a yoga class with the great Senthil Kumar and although I love his classes, my favorite part is when we are sitting outside of the mind.body.spirit room, putting on our shoes; we always have a philosophical discussion. Senthil learned yoga in India, so he is very knowledgeable on the ancient texts and “internal” aspects of yoga, instead of the Western type of yoga which many people think is just “stretching.”
Today we talked about awareness and limiting beliefs. And how we all have the tools inside of us. I was very energized by our conversation, and the whole way home I was reflecting on it.
And as I pulled into my neighborhood, I remembered talking to Senthil about breathing and sports. He said that while running, you should inhale deeply through the nose and exhale deeply through the nose. Your exterior is moving quickly, but your interior is relaxed.
I sometimes run a lap around my neighborhood. I always stop about three times. Well, today I was inspired and wanted to try running around my neighborhood using the ancient breathing technique. I actually visualized myself doing it and doing it pretty easily.
“I’m going to do it!”
So I pulled into my parking space and left everything in the car. I didn’t even have socks or my running shoes on.
I broke out into a jog and started running, focusing on breathing deeply in through the nose and out through the nose, all while keeping my body relaxed.
I started off okay, and then the breathing became harder. But I remembered Senthil saying that you just have to get used to it, so I stuck with it. And after a little while longer, it got easier. I was actually doing what I visualized.
I ran the whole way without stopping!
And I wasn’t even winded; I could have kept going. Not bad for someone who hates running, huh?
After a few deep diaphragmatic breaths, my heart rate was back to normal and I mentally gave myself a pat on the back.
So what does this mean?
“As soon as you give it all up, you can have it all.”
Give up your limiting beliefs about yourself. Believe that anything is possible – because it is.
Give up material possessions – you already have happiness inside.
And give up comparing yourself to others or dwelling on the past or future.
The beauty is NOW. The power is in the present. That’s all we need.
What limiting belief will you let go today?
Thanks for reading.