Yoga on the Runs

There is almost no way to escape it: the infamous Travler´s diarrhea.
This was the part of the trip that a little friend decided to come along and use my body as his vehicle. His name: The Grey Matter.

During this time I read The Alchemist, by Paul Coehlo and ate white and light. There wasn´t a whole lot in terms of asana practice but I was mindful of what I ate and how my body felt and also how that affected my mind. Paul Coehlo is brilliant and his own life story inspiring. The book explored one boy´s search for his true destiny. His story enchants and invites you to observe the present and live in the moment to really experience the joys and hardships of living.

In yoga this quest to live out ones dream (to realize one Personal Legend-PC) means to follow ones Dharma, or virtuous path. In both, there is this notion that when you release from the security and false comforts of contentment to follow this quest, the universe provides all that is necessary to help you on your way. That said, the path will not be straight and not always easy. There may be beginners luck as Coelho indicates, but challenges will arise and will make one question the true value of their dream. These challenges are necessary if the dream is to be realized.

There is also a tendency to fear the completion of a quest as if it will not yield the expected results but rather be empty or lacking the awe and enchantment that only a dream can really possess.

So true value, I am discovering, is the pursuit of the dream and the experience with oneself and others along the way. There is value as well in strength that one builds on the journey and in the hope that one gives to others who are inspired by the bravery and true living of a person on their quest-personal legend.

There is no map, nor directions. There is no crystal ball. Instead, there is a compass that changes moment to moment as the present mind observes and reacts with pure intention.

What can I say, the Grey Matter and Paul Coelho, both powerful teachers...