Make Ending into Beginnings!
In yoga we celebrate Lord Shiva, the deity of endings. He is the third part of the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It’s perfectly healthy to be sad when things end, however, a more spiritual perspective – once the shock of it ending starts to fade – is to realize that nothing ends without there being a new beginning, or a birth. This is why Shiva is so revered; without him, we could not continue the cycle of life.
We all have these endings at some point or another. Someone we thought we would be with for a lifetime didn’t work out, we loose a job, we lose a loved one.
But while you work on getting to that elevated place of seeing life as your teacher, here are 5 things to do to prepare you for the next chapter:
1. Surround yourself with a support system you trust. You don’t need to tell the world about your problems, but having a few trusted friends and possibly a good therapist and/or yoga teacher will help you by not only allowing you to vent but also by acting as your mirror. Choose carefully.
2. Journal. You become your own best therapist by letting it all out on the page. If it involves another person, you can write them a letter, but DON’T send it! This is your process and in some cases, you may have to find the closure you need on your own.
3. Commit to a yoga practice. This is not about your body, this is about getting your mind and emotions in tip-top shape for that new thing that will arrive. You need to be ready for it when it comes into your life.
4. Watch some stand-up comedy. If you cannot get to a comedy club with some friends, watch some stand-up on Netflix. Some of my favorites are Louis CK and Bill Burr – a little raunchy at times, but hilarious.
5. Take a short trip. Leaving your outer physical surroundings will shift some of your inner energy. You are going over the ending – breakup, job loss worries, regret – in your head over and over. It’s making you a little crazy and the energy is not moving. Going away for a weekend or a day will help clear your head.
