Commitment

Photo: ILoveMemphis on Flickr

There’s nothing as exciting and rewarding as seeing a project through to completion. In fact, I like to bask in the afterglow of hard work and simply reflect on the treasured outcome. Some of you may relate to this and LOVE the feeling of completing a project.

Before any of that can happen though, the project has to have a beginning. One necessary ingredient on the front end is commitment. To commit to something is to be fully engaged and actively participating.

Set your intentions and be crystal clear about what you want to accomplish. When you can SEE the outcome and FEEL the emotion of what it will look like when you are done, it is easier to commit to the task. Without commitment, other seemingly important tasks start competing for time and resources and can cause a delay in completing the project, or in worst case scenario can fully de-rail the goal to the point of no return. There is much dis-satisfaction to an open ended, unfinished project.

Goethe offers this eloquent summarization…

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation.  There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment that one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too.  All sorts of things occur to help that would never otherwise have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way.  Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.  Begin it now.”

As we practice yoga this month ask yourself what are you committed to? Let’s explore together and practice commitment through yoga. Commit to a strong foundation. Commit to finding and holding optimal alignment. Commit to honoring your body’s needs. Commit to listening to and observing how you feel. Take a break when necessary. Commit to the journey and let go of the outcome!