Awareness

Dona Anderson

Awareness!

I initially published the post below on Oct 27, 2011 and I wanted to read it again as it seemed to be nudging me to see what had changed in my life since then.  Not much, though I have written more things about my book as it seems to provide me with endless gifts that I love to share.  I've stayed busy writing another book, Simply One Breath At a Time is now out in eBook formats through Balboa Press, I'm learning guitar, taking an online business course, and I'm sure other things but I can't remember them right now.  Anyway I hope you will enjoy the post and perhaps understand or connect with my old self and changes.

You can share with others at the end of the post and if you want to see more, sign up to follow by email.  Thanks for your visit!

---

A few months ago I was asked what I blog posted about, was it things from my book, and I answered no.  This was a great question and at the time I guess it really seemed odd to the person and to me that I would answer no.  I had to think about an answer then replied, I think it has been more about increasing awareness. 

So later I looked for a theme and presence/awareness was what seemed to be more often repeated.  I never used to have much awareness, I just went about my life with the busyness of home, family, and work.  I guess I have to again attribute my change to yoga.  That’s when I started noticing more things, paying more attention, noticing the space in between and leaving room for the space.  To me, Yoga is not just about what you do on the mat, it’s also a place to learn more about yourself, it’s a place to accept, nurture, improve upon, and it’s about what you then take out into the world. 

I found that instead of just wanting to do something, I started doing something, then finding more things that I could do, and one thing led to another.  I was encouraged on a deeper level to grow, move forward, sit in the front, talk to people, be comfortable with who I am,  to succeed on my terms with my limitations, and to enjoy even more how I dance and sing even when someone is watching. 

Lots of times I still get confused with myself because I don’t know how to process what I’m doing, getting into, or where it’s leading me.  Then awhile ago, I was reading a yoga teachers blog post about how the many middle and beyond aged ladies she was meeting despite their varying stories and challenges were now experiencing funnel shaped lives.  They were expanding their interests, passions, wisdom, fun, and using their talents for inspiring others wherever they could. 

This was interesting and maybe reflects some of what I’m doing as well.  l used to think we were supposed to be our best when we were younger, but I like this approach  better as I think I was just in training then to prepare me to now seek out and enjoy the other things that can come into and fill the rest of my life.  

I’ve been telling myself lately that I am happily broadening and expanding myself and it has nothing to do with the size of my waist or hips!