Sophie Herbert
Your smile proves that you are not a colony, that you have sovereignty over yourself, that you are doing your best… Events carry us away, and we lose ourselves. Walking meditation helps us regain our sovereignty, our liberty as a human being. We walk with grace and dignity, like an emperor, like a lion. Each step is life. —Thich Nhat Hanh
Every few days, I share a favorite quote on my Facebook page. Recently, I posted a quote about the gift of sitting in stillness by Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Soon after, a friend recommended his book The Long Road Turns to Joy. Ironically, this beautiful little book had been sitting on my shelf unread for years. It resurfaced during my recent move only days before. While this brilliant work is a guide to walking meditation, much of it’s content can be applied to almost all aspects of life.
I rediscovered this book at a perfect time. Over the past month, I’ve been moving forward after having to end a long-term relationship that meant very much to me. Throughout this transition, I’ve been actively contemplating personal sovereignty.
How can I continue to work towards this centered, autonomous state where one is less dependent on external factors for happiness (people/relationships, objects, substances, you name it!)? How do we maintain this independent place where we become more effective and fulfilled by grasping less and less? How do we remember our self-worth and infinite source of inner satisfaction? How do we find the strength to say, “This soon will pass” when things don’t go according to plan?
I know! These are big questions! What we must remind ourselves of, however, is that great change and growth comes slowly but surely, through working in gradual yet consistent increments. Here are a few simple techniques that everyone can do to begin to work towards greater personal sovereignty.
Daily seated meditation or walking meditation help us tap into our inner wisdom bit by bit. All that takes is a few minutes, commitment, and enthusiasm. A simple gratitude practice each morning can also be transformative. Give thanks for your breath, body, mind, and social/physical opportunity. You can even do this as your make your morning cup of joe or tea…
Something else that has been invaluable to me? Smiling… even just a tiny bit, anywhere, at anytime. To share one more quote of Thich Nhat Hanh’s, “As you make the effort to let go of your worries and anxieties, please smile. It may be just the beginning of a smile, but keep it there on your lips… The half-smile is the fruit of your awareness that you are here, alive, walking. At the same time, it nurtures more peace and joy within you.”
Remember, there is no overnight metamorphosis. Likewise, the path towards self-investigation is far from level. We must embrace the challenges and remember, to the best of our advantage, that clarity and happiness will ensue.
I hope Thich Nhat Hanh’s wise quotes help shape your day!
Sophie Herbert is an alignment focused yoga teacher (and perpetual student), a singer-songwriter, and a visual artist. She has lived, studied, and volunteered extensively in India; teaches yoga in Brooklyn and Manhattan; and recently released her first full-length album, “Take a Clear Look.” Please visit her website at SophieHerbert.com.
Reposted with permission. This is the original post.