Power or Peace? How About Power and Peace?

Yogis, the dual nature of life is often quite apparent. Balance is understood when we experience moments of imbalance, or by observing opposing  forces. We understand the rising of breath by feeling our roots strongly in the earth and also in contrast to the falling of the subsequent exhale. We can understand softening against the firm floor beneath us and therefore, begin to see our own rigidity and soften. Yet, can we truly have power and peace in our lives? Is this balance attainable?

First, I like to have you step back and see both peace and power as choices. You can choose peace. You can choose power. Can you choose both peace and power at any given moment? Sure. It is that fine dance between the two that will create a balanced approach to life. Imagine pure power inside of you and no peace? I bet that is where tyrants and Hitler types are created. And image all peace inside and no power. What an invitation to be trampled and not respected.

In my life I have chosen and continue to choose power and peace. I have to practice these qualities every day, multiple times a day. Sometimes I invoke my power by saying a mantra such as, "I am powerful and articulate." Other times I must call on peace, by first noticing if I am lacking peace and kindly bringing peace back into focus. Peace and power can be transient or fleeting. Therefore, awareness and constant checking in are required to maintain a peaceful and powerful demeanor.

Practice the daily invocation of peace and power or any other traits that will be meaningful in your life, instill balance, and/or help you become a better leader to yourself and those around you. Remember, you are always modeling behavior for those watching you. Please don't take this lightly. Be responsible in your actions and practices, kind to yourself and forgive moments where you step out of practice and simply re-direct focus to align with your chosen practices and traits, gracefully showing that you are not perfect. Where you stepped off your path  and then came back can be an amazing mode of behavior-modeling that reminds children or colleagues that you are human and so are they! Human = imperfect. Be a human who is constantly working toward betterment.

You become what you practice. So what will you practice? How will you radiate balance and grace to those around you and most importantly, to yourself?

Peacefully and powerfully,

Lara