Following your dharma
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information you have access to? It’s truly abundant! With free webinars, summits, blogs, and the ease of researching topics online, it can sometimes feel like too much. There simply isn’t enough time to consume it all! So, how does one process and manage everything?
One strategy that works for me is taking a moment to pause and remind myself that I don't have to do anything; everything I choose to do is just that—a choice. This grounding helps me connect with the present moment, allowing me to determine how best to allocate my time to serve my highest purpose.
Once grounded, finding clarity is possible. Ask yourself, what do you want? need? What can you live without? If you can’t quickly answer those questions, then maybe a deeper dive is needed.
Ask yourself: Am I following my dharma? Am I living in alignment with my truth?
Your alignment reveals a lot about your current state and the direction you’re heading in life. It reflects how closely your thoughts, actions, and values match your goals and aspirations. If you feel peace, fulfillment, and joy, you’re likely in alignment with your true self. Conversely, constant stress, dissatisfaction, or confusion can indicate misalignment in your life.
Taking a moment to compare your current life with the life you aspire to live can yield profound insights. How closely aligned are you with that vision? You may wonder, what does it truly mean to live in alignment?
To me, living consciously in alignment signifies authenticity, transparency, and joy. It means being harmonious with your values, desires, and intentions while maintaining a clear awareness of your actions and choices. Once you have clarity on what you want, sifting out the content is much easier! Aligning yourself energetically with the right people is easier, too.
Here are some tips to help you cultivate a sense of alignment in your life.
Tip #1 - Create a Mantra or Intention
A few years ago, I chose the mantra of TRUTH for myself. I’m not just talking about the significance of honesty; I mean being true to what I want, who I am, and how I genuinely feel. It involves expressing myself authentically, regardless of how others perceive me. Living in my TRUTH has become my guiding principle.
This journey has been transformative. I’ve made substantial shifts in my life, stepping away from unhealthy relationships—whether with family or friends. I’ve prioritized my well-being, nurturing both my physical and emotional strength. I’ve learned to say no to over-commitments and to stop giving myself away to those who don’t value my contributions.
Last year, my intention was to manifest ABUNDANCE—for myself and for others. Gradually, I began to notice a shift in my life as new opportunities arose, both professionally and personally. This year, I am fully committed to continuing this journey of ABUNDANCE, and I can already see its positive effects!
Tip #2 - Make Time to Practice
Our yoga practice provides an excellent opportunity for introspection. It allows us to examine our attitudes toward our bodies and how we engage with our practice. This goes beyond just the physical postures; it includes spiritual and energetic dimensions as well. Are you practicing with intention, or are you running on autopilot? Are you balancing effort and ease, or do you find yourself forcing and tensing?
Pay attention to how you engage during your practice. Are you allowing space for centering and contemplation, or is your practice merely another task on your to-do list? Do you approach energetic practices like breath work and Mudra hand gestures with ease, or do you feel resistance? Are you focused on how you appear in the poses, or are you more interested in how you feel?
How do you respond to a slower pace? Sometimes, our eagerness to move quickly clouds our judgment, even when our bodies need gentleness. Are you experiencing stagnation affecting your motivation—both physically and mentally? Recognize those moments when your mind feels sluggish, even as your body craves movement.
After your practice, how do you treat yourself? Are you rushing off the mat to tackle the next item on your list, or can you appreciate the gift of silence and relaxation? Remember to prioritize restoring your body, soul, and mind; you deserve it!
Tip #3 - Take Time to Reflect
How often do you take a moment to reflect after meditation, walking, time at the beach, on a drive, or post-yoga practice? What lessons have you learned? How do you integrate these insights into your daily life?
These reflections offer valuable insights into what we truly value and how we relate to our bodies and the world around us.
Tip #4 - Reset
Once you become aware of patterns and habits that no longer serve your highest self, you have the power to let them go. Take a moment to pause and reset—whether it’s weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, or whenever you feel overwhelmed or off-balance. Recognize these feelings as insightful signals that you may not be living in alignment. Embrace this awareness without judgment, make the necessary adjustments, and continue your journey with renewed focus.