This blog looks at the magic of summertime, fireflies and the J.A.R. acronym for living in a way that serves you and supports letting your inner light shine. I have selected one of Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras below to connect the blog to a Sutra teaching.
Oh sweet summertime, how I love you! Summertime is upon us which means a time for warmer days full of long hours of sunlight and…fireflies at night. Texas gets HOT at this time of year, so sometimes I choose to take a walk at dusk or in the moonlight. For a few weeks now, I have been noticing fireflies intermittently shining their light. There is no sound that warns you that a firefly is close by, only the flash of light that goes off . It’s as if they are saying, “Remember…keep shining your light!”
Summertime as a child meant my sister and I would venture out to our neighborhood or backyard with a glass jar to catch fireflies. We were always able to catch 4-5 every time we went outside. We would poke holes in the lid and put some foliage inside the jar. For a few hours, we would sit in the dark and watch the fireflies flash on and off before releasing them back outside. What a thrill for two sisters to watch this light show! Today, I reflect that this phenomenon is still pure magic!
Yoga teaches that we all have an inner light. Some people have their light’s switched on and you can see it through the spark in their eyes, smile, acts of service and compassionate hearts. Sometimes we can also see that a person is not “switched on” which can also be observed by the lack of those previously mentioned qualities. That doesn’t mean they don’t have an inner light though. We never know the pain or suffering someone may have been through that has caused this blockage of light. Universally, I believe we all share the need to be seen and heard…to feel worthy. Compassion and empathy are badly needed in our society as evidenced from current events. The ancient teachings of Yoga can be a starting place for someone to begin to connect back to their true self…where that “inner light” lives. Working with breath is the key to beginning transformation through the yogic process. Yoga works with the system of prana, our vital life force.
As an Austin Yoga Therapist, I recommend living by this J.A.R. acronym:
J = Joy
A = Adventure
R= Relaxation
In the morning, write one thing that you will do that brings you joy, adventure, and/or relaxation. Make a plan! Then, in the evening, journal what you actually did in the J.A.R. category. I learned this process in my IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) program designed by Dr. Weil, M.D. It took me about 6 months of actual writing and planning before it became a healthy lifestyle habit that was established. Now, I view life through this J.A.R. lens as a way to keep filling my cup up EVERYDAY! I can give much more of myself to others when I have taken care of me. I consider this an “off the mat” yoga practice.
When we live life through the J..A.R., our light begins to shine. Spark, spark!!! The universe takes off the lid and lets us fly freely, quietly without showing off but simply showing up for someone and flashing the light of vitality and compassion for them.
”Remember…keep shining your light!” The world needs you! You need you!
Sutra teaching: II, 44 (using Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali as interpreted by Mukunda Stiles) and translations from my many years of study with my teachers.
svadhyayat ista-devata-samprayogah
svadhyayat - by self-study, leading to self-knowledge, self-awareness
ista - desired choice
devata - shining one, deity (light being)
samprayogah - complete connection
Modern translation: The path of yoga is to find out the true nature or true self. Find out who you are and from that understanding, dedicate your life to that. Let that light shine!