Our modern world shivers as if we are collapsing into anarchy. Wildfires are burning out of control. Governments are refusing to listen to their people. There are stories of neighbors turning on neighbors. Families being torn apart.
Nowhere are those divisions more on display than in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong was once a vibrant stop on the maritime silk road which formed the backbone of international trade. Fast forward to now and we can see that same impressive legacy shining full force. The meeting of cultures. The intersection of worlds. People care passionately about what happens to Hong Kong, and each person has a different point of view.
That is the sign of a true cultural center.
If the problem is chaos and varying points of view all striving to be heard, then what is the solution?
Yoga and meditation.
Yoga and meditation have been developed over thousands of years to help us communicate clearly
To help us understand and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds. Yoga helps us to be the very best we can be – and then to use that energy and strength to work with others toward common goals.
Yoga generally focuses on the body. It is critical that we get ample sleep, maintain our immune system, and foster strong health. Our body is our vessel which moves us about in our world. Without that stable base beneath us, it becomes nearly impossible to communicate well and to expend our energy fruitfully to reach our dreams.
Meditation lifts our spiritual strength. It allows us to think clearly, find solutions to problems, and empathize with our fellow human beings. Through meditation we find the basis through which we all share goals and inspirations. Meditation allows us to understand where another person is coming from. To forge a path which will join us together in harmony.
It is nearly impossible for a person deluged with stress to handle challenges to the best of their ability
Anxiety and worry interfere with the brain’s thought processes. Yoga and meditation help to relieve stress and foster relaxation. Through that regular practice, the mind and body are able to focus, attenuate, and draw energy toward their chosen goals.
Breathing exercises, or pranayama, can be a critical additional component to these routines, because the breathing exercises can be done anywhere at any time. Even if a person is waiting in line, or sitting in an office, the pranayama can allow them to regain calm and focus with which to tackle the challenges ahead.
The key is to begin. To invest even five minutes today in a short yoga stretch. In a brief mindfulness meditation. In a simple breathing exercise. For every new beginning is a chance to engage with a new path.
Yesterday is a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore to this day.