Everyone's Shine is Different

Like a string of Christmas lights.

In my house growing up, being visible, showing your shine, was not glorified.

You shouldn’t outshine anyone else.

You should work hard quietly to do better.

And you should do so under the radar, and be humble.

But-

“What if shining your light doesn’t make other people’s light dim but actually helps them shine more?”

Pausing and being present is about no longer thinking you should always be working on doing and being better and enjoying just being?

What if you were at peace with yourself?

What if you encouraged yourself and were your own cheerleader rather than your best critic?

What if you didn’t beat yourself up? Or push yourself?

And instead, show yourself compassion and love and nourishment?

What if you were on your own team? And we’re your own best, most helpful teammate?

“The more you love yourself the more you can love others.”

What if your children watched you celebrate your self and enjoy yourself?

Modeling self-acceptance and liking yourself is an amazing gift you can share with others.

In yoga, we notice and draw strength from noticing and appreciating what you can do rather than what you cannot or what you struggle with?

Or what you haven’t done yet?

Or not done as well as someone else?

What if you allowed yourself to notice all the amazing things you can do rather than your limitations?

What might you be able to do and accomplish with this energy?

Likely more than you do when you come from a place of inadequacy. And with a lot more energy to spare.

When you are falling short of what you would like or don’t show up as the best version of yourself, because we all do—

what if you were a gentle compassionate parent to yourself- like so many of you aspire to be for your children?

I work with many highly successful women physicians who beat themselves up in these moments of imperfection.

Blame, shame, guilt, and embarrassment ensue.

But what would compassion do?

What would love to do?

Compassion and “the gentle parent” and the good teammate, would encourage and support.

She would remind you, as you would your children, that if you persist and keep at it, even when it’s hard, you will thank yourself later.

She would remind you not to beat yourself up and ask for help.

Notice how you show up for yourself throughout the day.

Betting there is room for more compassion and encouragement.

There is for me.

“Loving yourself is the greatest revolution.”

As a Berkeley girl, I can’t help but love a little rebellion...

So shine your authentic light, show yourself compassion, and ask for help,

Your struggles will be less,

And your growth is much more, faster, and easier.

Even better, the world will be a much more beautiful and light-filled place.

If you want help with this work, reach out.