A little while ago a friend shared this video of a shirtless guy dancing wildly at some sort of outdoor concert. (in case you want to check it out, it’s actually really funny) At first he was all alone, and then slowly, one by one, people began to join in, until eventually almost everyone was writhing about in some odd kind of chicken dance. We humans are a funny bunch the way we mimic each other and try on what others are doing. Most of us prefer to follow rather than lead, or consume rather than actively create.
Of course, today, everyone wants to sell you something, and frankly, there are times in our life when we are all too quick to look for a quick fix to an issue, and we are so happy to believe that whatever someone is selling us will do the trick. Whether it’s their way to health, their way to success, the best way to pass an exam, these things are ultimately ways to make them more money or bring them greater success, so it’s good for them, but let’s be real, it may or may not bring abundance, health, wealth or love into your life. What commercial says “sorry friend, you need to work really hard and take many overgrown paths, and make every wrong turn, in a quest for your true path”? Who would buy that? Instead we are encouraged to look outside of ourselves at everyone else, and to covet and desire what they have. We are being sold fake happiness. It is, all of it, a consumerist and passive way to live. Even on the holistic yogic path, it can be no different.
But here’s the thing: authentic lives are not replicable. You can’t do what I do, and I can’t do what you do. We have a separate journey to live. Even if you follow the exact diet I did, or set of exercises, your body won’t respond like mine. If you write out one of my classes and teach it verbatim, it still won’t be the same experience as doing the class with me. The truth is that we have to carve out our own way, and that kind of sucks, because apparently that means no one has done it before, at least not in the way that you will have to. We are pioneers on our path, and that takes so much courage and strength. To be ourselves and not thwarted or confused by everyone else’s path is so hard. It seems easier to try someone else’s method. That’s why we we do it. The courses, the products etc are attempts at finding the short cut to our success and to our selves. We hope a few dollars and a few hours will bring us to where we want to be. I’m here to tell you it’s all wrong. It won’t make me rich telling you that our work must be done on our own, for the most part, and that it will be hard and take much time. But that’s what I’m finding.
And also, we are connected, and made to connect with each other, so we can accompany others, maybe even inspire others, but not live someone’s life for them. When we see great success, or talent or whatever it is, it does us good to consider the amount of time and the effort someone has put in to achieve that success. If we wish for something, we need to be willing to do the work, and take the long road, if that’s what is needed. Bring on commitment, dedication and perseverance on OUR path to our goal!