Into Mystery
(Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash)
The props are loaded into my car. Yoga leggings and warm clothes are packed up in my bags. The practices and themes are planned. The playlists are (mostly) complete. The preparation is done. Nothing left to do.
In about an hour I’ll drive off to lead a yoga retreat on my own for the first time. I’m ready.
I’m ready because I know that no matter how much I plan, things will change. I’m ready because I know that as thing change, I can change with them. I’m ready because I know that whatever I had in mind will be way less than what the Universe has in mind. I’m ready because I can trust Love-Consciousness.
It’s not exactly a comfortable place to be - this place of knowing that despite my best plans I may end up throwing the whole thing out and starting over because that’s what’s needed No, it’s a bit of a nail-biter.
But it is exactly the process I’m inviting into my life. The Authentic Life asks us to live it like it’s an art. As I’ve written in past posts, artful embodiment requires both technique and mystery.
With retreat, I’ve done all I can do from the technique side of things. I’ve planned more than is necessary… way more. Now’s the time for the Mystery.
This is the moment when so many of us want to turn and run. It’s unknown. It’s wild and untamable. It’s like jumping off a cliff wondering if the parachute will open - acknowledging the full possibility that it might not - and knowing if you don’t jump there can’t be any magic.
Mystery works in the unseen. Mystery works in between the cracks. It slides in from the sides and offers suggestions that can only arise in the moment. Mystery elevates the plans and turns them into magic. But only if you’re willing and able to give over into it. Holding tight stops mystery from entering the room. So. Surrendering, softening, welcoming the mystery and magic that comes from dear souls with clear intention coming together to make something happen. We’ll open to mystery.
So that’s where I’m headed. Into the woods. Into the studio. Into the community that will gather for the next few days. And deep deep into the mystery.
I hope that whatever you’re doing this weekend you can invite some mystery along.