You really are.
You are engineered and designed perfectly for your unique mission in life. You have been given just the right set of skills, placed into the proper circumstance, and graced with the appropriate challenges needed, for you to learn the lessons that will help you to succeed.
This is called Dharma. You were sent here for a very specific reason. It is ingrained in you, in your DNA, in your “spiritual thumbprint.” The challenging part is uncovering what your particular mission entails—and then activating it.
There are so many clues that point you toward your particular path. And there are no coincidences. Perhaps you already recognize your Dharma. If so, are all of your decisions consciously aligned to ignite your purpose?
Or perhaps your particular glorious reason has yet to reveal itself?
If so—no worries, you’re not alone.
One simple way to begin the unveiling of your Dharma is to inhale the question, “What matters most to me . . . what am I passionate about?”
Hold your breath until you decide. As you exhale your answer, take a moment to recognize the obstacles that rise to challenge your passion. This may not be obvious at first, but take a deeper look—it is worth it. Nearly everything on our planet, and in our lives, is facing its tipping point. We live in a pivotal time, and the world needs you now more than ever to make the best decisions possible, to activate your Dharma, to elevate, and to be the most effective and conscious YOU that you can be. It is said in the ancient Indian text, the Bhagavad Gita, that “It is more important to do your own dharma poorly, than to do another’s very well.” Are you willing to step up to the plate?
I hope so. This is how we will change the world, and its trajectory.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
―Margaret Mead
I am a yoga teacher. I teach one of the most vigorous and physically challenging forms of the yoga practice on the planet. Though I don’t believe that yoga is the change that the world needs—it is a catalyst toward that change. Yoga is a training process that hones your body, enlivens your mind, elevates your consciousness, and awakens your soul. It is up to you to decide what you do with these awakenings. The perfect handstand won’t change the world, but the tools that you acquire while practicing may lead you to discover the way in which you will change the world.
Throughout my practice, my own Dharma has been revealed. I am passionate about the ocean, specifically sea turtles. Sea turtles are super chill, cute and cuddly critters that are a very valuable and accurate barometer for the health of the rest of the marine ecosystems. Scientists estimate that we have wiped out up to ninety-five percent of some species of sea turtles. All seven species are endangered and facing extinction. Our ocean is currently in a state of grave danger. I believe that Ma Ocean is worth fighting for—and I believe that we can save her. We can roll back the tide with waves of consciousness to make better decisions regarding how we mistreat the ocean, including: plastic pollution, deepwater drilling, massive oil spills, and Neanderthal fishing practices. I will stand up for the ocean. Because I simply cannot bear the thought of living in a world where we cannot swim in the sea—and the turtles can’t either.
“If we were logical, the future would be bleak, indeed. But we are more than logical. We are human beings, and we have faith, and we have hope, and we can work.”
―Jacques Cousteau
In hindsight, it is clear that I have trained my whole life for this. Every decision, mistake, success, nostalgic memory, or hopeful thought for the future has prepared me, and placed me squarely upon this path.
What have you been training for? What is your Dharma?
When you are living with purpose, life burns that much brighter. If you can’t quite align with your purpose just yet, don’t fret! Simply continue your excavation process. You will find it—and it will be worth it. In the meantime, perhaps you would like to help with mine? Mother ocean could most certainly use all hands on deck! You may even discover that she is your Dharma as well, and that ours are intertwined. Remember, there are no coincidences.
Brock Cahill and his wife Krista Cahill are both yoga teachers in Los Angeles, California. For more information please have a look at www.kurmalliance.org and www.gravitycowboy.com.
Brock Cahill will be teaching at The Tadasana International Yoga & Music Festival over Earth Day weekend on the beach in Santa Monica, CA, April 20– 22. Click here to check out the festival website and purchase tickets. Enter the code “cahill6” for a $50 discount! (Please note that discount codes expire April 1st). Positively Positive is a media sponsor of The Tadasana Festival.
