I was lucky enough to see Prince in concert last weekend and the experience has profoundly affected my practice. So what has the Prince of Purple got to do with yoga, meditation and mindful living?
 
Let me start by saying that I am fortunate enough to know my purpose in life. It was one of the insights I uncovered during my 500 hour yoga teacher training with the help of Shasta Townsend. Through yoga and meditation my delight and passion is to help other people to stand in their own light. Aspiration: I am a powerful channel of Divine Light – fearless, intuitive and compassionate.
 
I am so convinced of this that I had it tattooed on my arm as a constant reminder. (On the other arm is my dharma name, Radiant Joy of the Heart.) Both of these tattoosrepresent aspirations and reminders for me to be the best possible version of myself.
 
My purpose is to get out of my own way and let my light shine in order to help others do the same. Whatever gifts I am fortunate enough to have shouldn’t be hidden behind fear of rejection or failure or any of the thousand other excuses that I have used throughout my life. By being brave enough to live like this I aspire to help others do the same.dharma name, Radiant Joy of the Heart.) Both of these tattoosrepresent aspirations and reminders for me to be the best possible version of myself.
 
As Marianne Williamson says,
‘…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.’
 
Where does Prince come into this? He is without doubt allowing his light to shine. Apparently a shy young man he made a decision to get over his shyness in order to let his talent shine, and wow he has a lot of talent. Whether you are a fan of his music or not I’d be surprised if you could see him perform live without being caught up in his energy. He is like a bright light, fearless and unafraid letting the gifts he has shine out without fear or apology.
 
This was a powerful reminder for me to let my own gifts come forth. I may not have glamorous talents like Prince but I can try to live my life as fearlessly as he does. Imagine a world where we all did the same.
 
What are your talents? What is your passion? What activities do you lose yourself in? That moment when your small self disappears and you are able to transcend ego, fear and limitations and just be in the moment.
 
It might be a creative pursuit, it might be teaching, it might be yoga, if you’re really lucky it might be your job. It is the thing that you love, paid or unpaid it brings you happiness and joy. My advice to you and to myself is to do more of that. The benefits will creep into the rest of your life and your relationships. Be who you were meant to be, the you that is truly you without fear, without barriers. The you that no one else can be, whoever that is. Try this…
 

• Sit or lie comfortably in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted.
• Spend some time contemplating the question ‘what is my passion?’ or ‘what is my unique gift?’ or even ‘what is my purpose?’
• Ask yourself the question over and over finding deeper and deeper layers of answers.
• Once you find your purpose, make an intention to spend more time doing the thing you love without fear or guilt.

 
Why not set some reminders? A reminder on the fridge or on your computer or perhaps in your diary or phone. Good luck, let your light shine.
 
Thank you for reading. Wishing you presence, peace and joy in every moment.
 
Namaste,
 
jacquelyn
*****
Jacquelyn is a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Reiki Level Two practitioner. Yoga has helped her to overcome paralyzing fears and chronic pain and find her true purpose in life. Her focus is on encouraging those around her to have patience, kindness and compassion for themselves and the courage to stand, fearless, in their own light. Jacquelyn has studied meditation and mindfulness in the Shambhala tradition and with Thich Nhat Hanh. She teaches Gentle Yoga, Chakra Flow Yoga, EMpower Yoga, Beginners Yoga, Power Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.
www.balancedlifeyoga.ca