Pictured asana: Hanumansana / Yogi Splits, a pose of devotion. Hanuman, was the son of a monkey and the wind, and the king of the monkeys in Hindu mythology. Hanuman served as a devotee to Rama and pledged his loyalty to him. Rama’s wife Sita was kidnapped and Hanuman came to the rescue by taking giant (and literal) leap of faith across the ocean from India’s south-east coast to Sri Lanka to save her. With Hanuman's devotion he was able to do the seemingly impossible. When we channel our own devotion we can also move beyond perceived limitations and connect to our personal power.
What greater power exists than devotion? We literally have to dig deep and transform fear into faith, pain into purpose and commit ourselves wholeheartedly. To devote ourselves to anything takes a healthy balance of strength, receptivity, sacrifice and an unwavering passion to see something through. When we are in love we devote ourselves to sharing who we are with another, as parents we devote ourselves to being selfless and giving. Devotion to self could look like dedication to peace or finding an authentic connection to our own happiness.
Most of us have either shown or felt devotion in some way and understand that it isn’t always an easy task. We are faced with challenges like self doubt, naysayers and overall frustration when things don’t seem to go the way we intend. Devotion invites us to explore what it means to be patient and trusting, two essential virtues needed to stay the course.
On August 26th 2016 former 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick put it all on the line and devoted himself by taking a knee to raise awareness around oppression of African American people in the U.S.
Devotion can serve as a way to remind us of our own courage and connect our lives to something of purpose. Being devoted awakens a certain fire within us that transforms fear into light. We become warriors fighting against self ignorance and defeating those voices inside that tell us “we can’t.” With this light, we are also able to inspire others to move beyond their fears and align themselves with something meaningful. We channel compassion and dedication of the Heart Chakra to connect to a love so committed and true that even when we feel compelled to give up, we keep going, we keep giving. What are you currently devoting yourself to? How do you stay devoted when you feel challenged? What do you think you can do to be more devoted?
Below I’ve listed a few things that I am devoted to.
- Yazi (my daughter)
- My yoga practice (challenging with work and mommyhood, but I’m dedicated).
- Family
- Sister friends
- Community uplifment
- My overall well-being
- Yoga!
I can’t wait to here what you have to share! Let us know in the comments!