Time to Walk the Talk

We are rapidly approaching a time of convergence when the behavior patterns of the past no longer enable us to move forward effectively. The expanding growth of the alternative/holistic health industry is a testament to the changes that are taking place in our world. More and more people are searching for answers to the fundamental questions regarding the purpose and meaning of life. The proliferation of specialty products and modalities that are designed to “heal” or “fix” us is a testament to the demand for such answers.

These products and modalities are not necessarily good or bad. They are more expressions of a desire for answers than the actual answers themselves. With the myriad of challenges that face us as individuals, as a society, as a culture and as a planet we need to realize that the true answers are only going to come from within. We can experiment with different methods of alternative/holistic healing, but until we realize that the work needs to take place inside ourselves, the results will only be superficial.

The challenges that face us may appear overwhelming. Indeed the financial crisis appears as if it is going to fundamentally change the dynamics of our society. At times like this it is easy to give in to the forces of negativity that seem to be growing in power. For some there is a seductive aspect to the concept that things are going to fall apart. For others there is a tendency to allow doubt and fear to permeate their lives. Still others see an opportunity to profit from the disaster. None of these outlooks are beneficial in the long run.

As we all struggle to adapt to the rapid changes that are occurring in the world we must take care to maintain our center. It is easy to start making compromises when times get difficult. Yet this only leads to trouble. In truth, the only way forward is to maintain peace and balance in our lives as we adapt to the ever-changing world.

Of course there are times in everyone’s lives when it is difficult to stay on the path. Events and circumstances often conspire to challenge us in ways we never could have imagined. We all have certain unappealing traits that appear in times of weakness. However, if we are sincere in our desire to be of service to others, we must get our house in order. Without a sincere core of integrity within, it is impossible to offer pure, positive energy to those we come in contact with.

In the alternative/holistic health community, be we energy workers, psychics, healers, yogis, teachers or simply beings exploring our own spiritual nature, we need to take a moment to turn our attention inwards and look at ourselves. It is not uncommon for there to be grey areas in our lives that we keep hidden because they do not gel with the spiritual persona we are working to project. No matter how much we may try to convince ourselves and persuade others that the persona we project is our real self, there is no hiding from the truth. You may convince others of your expertise for a while, but you are really only fooling yourself.

While it is necessary and important to make a living in order to support yourself and your family, if you are engaged in alternative/holistic practices with your primary focus being to make money, you are in the wrong business. Of course we need to be compensated for the work we do, but this cannot be the driving force behind what we do. By the same token, if you are focused on gaining prestige and recognition for the work you are doing then you are being guided by your ego. The heart of this business is to be of service to others, to help those who are seeking answers to the fundamental questions of life. The moment we become more concerned about ourselves than our clients, patients or students we sacrifice our integrity. We lose the ability to work from the heart.

The time has come for each of us to walk along the path we are so good at talking about. The time has come to let go of the behaviors that no longer serve us. The time has come for us to become the true embodiment of the spiritual essence that exists within the core of our being. We have reached the point where we must now truly evolve. In order to do this we must release the chains that bind us to our lower selves and begin to vibrate on a higher level.

The road ahead may seem dark and forbidding. We may have doubts as to our ability to continue on the path. But this is the time for each of us to step up, open our hearts and shine the light of truth and love out into the world. This is only possible if we have come to terms with ourselves. We need to walk the path we profess to travel.

Walk the talk. Lead by example and allow others to recognize and benefit from that pure energy within us. We must do no less.

I wish you warmest of blessings and much peace on your journey.

Aaron Hoopes teaches an Online Self-Mastery Course for Personal Development and Spiritual Deepening. He is the founder of Zen Yoga and the author of 7 books including Breathe Smart: The Secret to Happiness, Health and Long Life and The Zen Anti-Diet: Mindful Eating for Health, Vitality and Weight Loss. His best-selling Daily Warm-Up DVD is a simple method for integrating breath and movement into daily life.

Aaron’s Blog: http://wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com

Zen Yoga Website: www.artofzenyoga.com

Email: breathe@artofzenyoga.com