Progress, swift and slow

Just like you, I am in constant motion.

For the past two and a half years, I’ve lived in Guatemala City. My motion has been dictated by my full-time school teaching schedule. I am not renewing my contract at my current school. So I will be moving; that much is certain. Everything else is up for debate. Most importantly — Where? The choices are at once endless and limited to viable employment opportunities. It’s between Asia and Atitlan. Beginning in August of this year, I’ll either be living on the other side of the globe and teaching at an international school… or three hours from here, at a gorgeous lake surrounded by volcanoes and teaching at a village school. No matter where I am, I’ll be living my yoga. That will be my one constant.

Sometimes I itch to know the answer, to see into my own crystal ball. I crave swift progress, long for a sudden epiphany. My mind wants to sniff around and explore every possibility. But that gets overwhelming fast. Other times, I am overtaken by a great sense of peace and patience. I am willing to wait, to progress like molasses, as I sit and meditate and breathe and practice forward folds and heart openers.

Everything within and without tells me that 2012 is the “year of manifestation,” and I believe it. But it helps to know what you are manifesting. To take the baby steps or excited leaps with intention and clear vision.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” What about before you make a decision? Does the universe conspire to help you choose? Certainly, as long as your mind and heart are open to receive.

A Sakyapa Prayer for swift progress on the spiritual path by Deshing Rinpoche:

By the blessing of the Triple Gem,
May the minds and hearts of all beings
Be attuned to the sublime Dharma.

Bless us to move forward on the path of true understanding;
May the way be cleared of all impediments.

Bless us that the illusive vision may appear in clear light
of the transcendent wisdom of Buddha;
May unwholesome thoughts and unskillful actions cease to arise.

Bless us with the awakening of true love and compassion
May all beings together realize perfect enlightenment.