Energy For Life

We live in a very fast-paced, restless, impatient and largely unforgiving society that places a premium on newness and manufactures product obsolescence. Relationships are fast becoming relegated to tweets, text messages and a few Facebook lines. Given that climate or unfertile soil, is it any wonder that romances often quickly fizzle and that our divorce rate is so high? Enough said about the downside.

I’m unabashedly proud to announce that this month Ruth and I will be celebrating our 43rd Valentine’s Day together — should have been 44, but I broke up with her after three fabulous dates because I was frightened of the intimacy at age 21. Fortunately, I acquired some “sanity” and courage in March of that year and have never again “pulled the plug.”

Over the years, we have learned that intense drama and dull knives only hurts us and detracts from our personal and relationship growth. For most of our 41 years of marriage, we have worked diligently to become more mutually accepting and supportive, as well as more centered and increasingly resilient. On a core level, we have devoted ourselves to gradually, yet steadily effacing our egos and to “leveling the playing field” in our relational attitudes, communication and conflict-resolution efforts.

None of this has been easy; we’ve probably endured as many valleys as we’ve celebrated peak experiences. However, our foundation of unconditional love and our commitment to persistence has paid off royally. Regarding the latter, I recently read a great quote by the decorated World War II general Douglas McArthur, “People grow old by deserting their ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up wrinkles the soul.”

Several overarching realizations fill me with utter joy:

• the depth of our cherishing and respecting one another
• the quantity and quality of parallel career and spiritual paths we’ve shared
• that we have raised three stellar children, one of whom has an incredible daughter

As the old romantic saying goes, “How many ways do I love you? Let me count the ways.” Happily, Ruth and I have both lost count. Our cups indeed runneth over, yet we have room for a lot more zesty juice!

-Jim

Happy 2012!!

As we enter this auspicious new year, I am remembering the famous quotes: “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and “Let there be peace in the world, and let it begin with me.” My intention for 2012 is to make my own personal changes (just met with a fitness coach, for example!), align with my best self and serve as a hopeful example for others. What changes do you want to see in the world and what peace/piece of this do you want to take responsibility and ownership of this year?? We are all called to something….what’s your deep desire??

Check out this inspiring ten-minute video: “Change for a Dollar”!

Please feel free to let me know your intentions for change in 2012, by email, phone (303-796-7004), in person, or in the comment section.

As predicted, this is time of great polarization and upheaval. Many of my clients, students, neighbors and extended family feel the societal downward pull into fear, fatigue, anxiety, depression, resignation, misbehavior, dishonesty, deception, illness, instability and terror. The younger generations seem so confused about what life is really about and how they can make a difference. They long for models and guidance. I call on myself daily to raise my own awareness/wakefulness, to choose my thoughts, words and actions with utmost care, and be present to participate fully in each moment. How can we serve as models for our young people and our peers? Let’s rise to the challenge!

“Be Your Best Self: Yoga for Families” is my new book, soon to be released, that I wrote with my daughter and granddaughter, as a contribution to serve the next generations. We offer some practical, healthy ways to take care of ourselves and build family closeness.

This book title reflects my spiritual longing. How can I awaken to who my “best self” is and energize the ability to manifest what is best in any moment?? Many of us are calling on ourselves to be/ do the same. The five chapters of the book share yoga practices and other methods to be flowing, be flexible, be strong, be balanced and be calm.

Hopefully, we can move through 2012 as the change we want to see and make peace with ourselves and with those in our sphere of influence.

Be well,
Ruth Sharon