‘Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts.’ ~ Paramahansa Yogananda
This is a great quote from my Guru Paramahansa Yogananda which I have recently been reflecting on. Sometimes our lives can be perfect and still we are deeply unhappy inside. We may not feel like smiling even though we are aware of all that we have in our lives. This is a key sign that there is a certain amount of internal work that needs to be achieved in order to lift ourselves out of the darkness and into the light of inner happiness and joy. This can take time and the key is to be patient with ourselves.
The practice of Svadyaha (self study) allows us to work through any deep seated issues we may be carrying at an unconscious level. Therefore becoming aware and moving through our layers of emotions and feelings can uncover the gem of happiness.
Yoga is a great path to help you through this journey. In yoga you start to release energy and sometimes you may also experience yourself releasing heavy emotions and feelings too. Your yoga practice is a safe space for these feelings to rise and be released therefore trust the space and be present to what you may be feeling. Try not to push the feelings away! Also don’t analyse the feelings. We do not need to know where they came from or how they will serve us. We just need to accept them in the moment.
When you get onto your yoga mat everyday and do the work your start to move closer and closer to that inner joy. Then no matter what is happening in your life you can still feel that inner happiness and you can spread your smile to all those who need it!
