The Daily Devotion: Your Own Duty

The Bhagavad Gita says:

It is better to do your own duty
badly, than to perfectly do another's; you are safe from harm
when you do what you should be doing.

Seneca also mused that "life is long if you know how to use it." In short, he held that one's full appreciation and presence in daily living was essential - whether such events were perceived as trivial or otherwise.

What is our duty in life? Where is that kind and protective refuge wherein we can truly serve perfectly? How can we live in the space of Seneca's suggestions, while also creating balance between contentment and inspired, wild inspiration?

I can remember - even before joining forces with Roger Rippy - that many people questioned my intention behind wanting to teach yoga in prisons. Many still do. Yet, I've noticed an encouraging trend in each of my recent experiences: (1) someone implies that my an idea is preposterous, ill-intentioned, or foolish; (2) I typically acknowledge their logic and gravitate toward their warnings; then, inevitably, (3) I am overcome with that wild passion once again and I cast off all doubt and pursue my vision. With this in mind, I'd rather be wild and wreckless than banal and pedestrian.

I'm still not sure how to make it happen, but I truly believe that my life's mission is to serve through In-Powered by OSA. I simply can't deny the shifts, changes and inspiring connections I've observed in those I've worked with.

I love achievement. But, more than that, I love connection. I love seeing others realize that they can learn, grow and, ultimately, create shifts in their own lives. This is my life's purpose. I wasn't meant to be held up in an office, or filing paper work, or creating online courses, or pursuing wealth. My purpose is service. My purpose is connection. My purpose is working with others through the practice of yoga and meditation.

Ask yourself these questions: What is your duty? What is your purpose? Why are you on this planet? Maybe your only reason in life is, in fact, to die. Even if that's the case, that should be your reason to live more fully.

If you're both unfortunate and fortunate enough to experience the loss of a loved one, you are immediately imprinted with a sense of urgent purpose in life. At the age of 22, I witnessed the last breath of my dear mother after her brave and painful battle with the cancer that had ravaged her entire body. I spent months sleeping beside her as she moaned and called out for relief. Years later, I discovered that my father had been diagnosed with lung cancer. And, after blatantly asking my father what scared him most about having cancer, he simply and quietly said, "Dying."

I feel that my work, my service, and my devotion is a mere reflection of my urgent intention to live to the fullest. I may not be rich in possessions, but I am, indeed, rich beyond measure...through my daily experience.

Upon being asked if he was a millionaire and had a great deal of possessions, Bob Marley said it best. He said, "My richness is life...forever." I feel the same.