The Alchemist: one who transforms or creates something through a seemingly magical process.
In Part 1, we covered the keys for entry into the Alchemist’s Lab: Presence ~ Awareness ~ Intention. You have to choose to show up. Once you’re physically present, you can choose to be Aware. Then, your readiness for change is aligned through a positive Intention. These are the keys to mindfulness necessary to practice the art & science of transformation.
Now, let’s step into the Lab, and start becoming the Alchemist!
When we enter the practice room, we are stepping into a physical room like most others. There are four walls, a floor, ceiling, and obviously a door. What’s the big deal?
SPOILER ALERT!
You are the big deal. The headline right up front is that you are the magic you seek.
That’s the true secret. Read no further.
In fact, since the secret ingredients are inside of you, you don’t even need to go anywhere at all.
That might come as a great relief.
…Except for one thing
Purpose.
What is Your Purpose? Does life amount to simply floating in a pod, plugged into the matrix, staring at spreadsheets until our batteries deplete?
As you glance around the room, you’ll see reminders plastered to the walls & under your feet. These are reminders of your purpose, with an over-arching question, “What are you becoming?”
In the Sol Hot Yoga Studio, the purpose of the mirrors on the walls, even the mat under your feet; these are the reminders. The reflections are lessons to help answer the question. Once the question is answered, the visual perception of the physical forms can fade away, and the Alchemy has begun.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna says to his charioteer (Krishna), “O Infallible One, please take my chariot to the middle of both armies, so that I may look at the warriors arrayed for battle, whom I must fight in this great combat.” BG 1.21-22
“Out of every 100 in the battle, 10 shouldn’t even be there, 80 are just targets, 9 are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is the warrior who will bring the others back.” – Heraclitus
The next time you choose to practice – stay Present. Tune in to the lessons of what you are Becoming. Even if it seems the darkest; remember the lighthouse is surrounded by darkness, and most important when the storm rages all around.
“Do not go gentle into that good night…. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas
You hold the magic to bring the others home.