Now the real work begins

This is part 7 in IzzyJi's Yoga off the Mat series.

Whether you voted for the Biden/Harris ticket, the Trump/Pence ticket, some other ticket or no ticket at all, I think it is safe to say that this election process has been on most of our minds. Many of the topics that the candidates have brought up are ones that most people feel pretty passionate about. 

One thing I’ve discussed in numerous conversations about the results is this: this is just the beginning. No matter who you were hoping to win this election, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. There is healing that the nation needs right now. Is it up to the president to heal this nation? Well… it helps to have our leaders push for harmony/unity, but it really is dependent upon YOU to heal this nation. 

“Me?” you ask? Yes, YOU. And, me. And, EVERYONE.

The election was just the beginning. Now, the real work begins. The real healing begins. The election is not just a magic fix. Darn. Wouldn’t that be great?

I think I looked at my knee replacement surgery that way. I got this new, magical, bionic knee (at least, that’s what I tell myself). The surgery was a means to correct my tired, painful, dislocating knee. But, the surgery alone doesn’t give me an instant, badass knee, as much as I wish it did. 

It was just the beginning. The real work had to begin with me. Therapy. Working out at home. Knowing when to let my knee rest and heal, and knowing when to work it and push it, even in pain, so that ultimately, my body can be in harmony. 

You may not be needing surgery any time soon (I sure hope not), but we all have challenges we face, and unfortunately, there is no magic fix. To me, this is one of the best reminders of how we can take our yoga practice off the mat. We are going to encounter people who think, look and feel differently than we do. We are going to face challenges in life. It is inevitable. This is where the real work starts.

Hold that crown center high.

Ground yourself. 

Remember your breath.

Open your heart center. 

Let your light shine.

Now, the real work begins. 

Love & Light,

IzzyJi