Resilience, Love and Rocky Road Ice Cream.

“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are, when you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”

~ Lao Tzu

I just had a few spoonfuls of Rocky Road ice cream, straight from the carton, while thinking about what I’d like to write to you all (thanks for leaving the ice cream behind, Bob).

I’ve written a few “How To” articles before based on personal experiences. This is a little different, in that I am writing a reflection, with a recommendation attached. There is so much to say, although sometimes words fail. I’m going to try, anyway.

Let’s keep going.

Last year, I was scared for 2012. Somehow I felt an impending sense of…not quite disaster–but–change? Change can feel like turmoil. In reality, that tumultuous feeling is usually just life clicking into place. This is the big lesson I grabbed from 2012 and a lesson I’ve been learning and re-learning all of my life: That in every dark place there is a light shining (see the tattoo on my shoulder for more information: “et lux in tenebris lucet”).

I created and lost in 2012 and learned an awful lot about resilience. My heart was broken, as many hearts break, in unthinkable ways. And would you believe me if I told you how glad I am I had these experiences?

I am. I grew. I will keep growing. And I knew (in my heart, somehow) that it was all for something; something bigger than I could have ever understood.

A few weeks ago I wrote in my gratitude journal that I am grateful for “my capacity to be open to the possibility of something wonderful.” I must have felt something in the air, because one day it clicked, my spirit spoke: “No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should,” and I decided to be open to receiving all of the brilliant things that the universe has planned for me: friendships, work, yoga, writing, but most importantly—love.

Because what is life without this bizarre component to our existence? Not just intimate love, but all of its delicious forms: loving myself, deep love with a significant other, my family, my yoga practice…

Here’s the cool thing that happened as soon as I opened myself up again:

Something arrived. And then another thing and another thing. And a someone. And opportunities. This is what is cool about resilience and love (and Rocky Road ice cream).

So what does all of this have to do with getting what you want in 2013?

It’s simple: You ask for it. Demand it, even. You go with your gut. And then, you wait. Even if it hurts. Even if it’s shitty–you wait–with an open heart. You might even book a flight to Beijing (I leave February 28), chop off all your hair or read a significant amount of Thich Nhat Hanh.

There is a time for everything and a path we all have to walk. Walk it.

Ask for what you want:

I want love. 

Ask it clearly:

The awesome kind.

Ask it with a spirit of curiosity:

“Consider everything an experiment.”

Regret nothing, make no excuses. You owe yourself this.

Last year my song for 2012 was Learning to Fly by Tom Petty. And now, as I enter 2013 with quite a few changes (changes that have made me broke, happy and grateful), I pick this song:

 And I set these intentions:

1. Be courageous.

2. Be vulnerable, too.

3. Love without restraint.

4. Get to the shala on time.

5. And when in doubt, add more glitter.

~

Ed: Bryonie Wise

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