Turn Toward the Light

​There is a quote by Elizabeth Gilbert that says: 
“Turn your face stubbornly to the light, and keep it there." 
 
This is a reminder that we control our thinking. We have the opportunity to turn towards the light and away from the darkness every single day.  
 
We alone can decide if we want to face our life with optimism or pessimism. 
 
We wake up every morning with a clean slate and a choice to seek enlightenment in all of the incredible wonders around us and within us. 
 
Take a rainy day for a simple example-- the event is out of our control, right? 
 
We can't do anything about it. 
 
Yet, people have such different inner dialogue surrounding rainy days. Some people view it as an opportunity to accept being indoors, relax, cozy up, drink some tea, or watch some movies. Other people feel like it's a total waste and just spend the day wishing it away. 
 
Most of us probably fall into the second group. But, if we were to turn our faces stubbornly to the light, if we were to seek the beauty in that rainy day, to find happiness in what typically makes us feel depressed, then we would be much better off for it. 
 
There is always an opportunity to turn our heads toward the light. There is always the option to seek enlightenment from the mundane or to choose optimism even when it's hard. 
 
In yoga we learn how to pause from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives in order to reclaim control over our thoughts, emotions and bodies. Yoga is our opportunity to turn our head toward the light. We have the power to unattach from our negative thinking, negative associations and any inclinations toward general pessimism in an effort to seek positivity instead. 
 
After a yoga class, we begin again with a clean slate—a mind fresh from harbored thoughts or emotions.  
 
So, if you are feeling lately that you have been turning your face away from the light, seek opportunities to practice yoga, mindfulness and meditation as an opportunity to embrace the beauty of everyday.