Nelson Mandela Soul Captain
With the passing of Nelson Mandela, the heart of the universe paused to miss a beat. Mandela undoubtedly led one of the most extraordinary lives of our time: from his early days as an amateur boxer to a charismatic political lawyer, he brought leadership to epic proportions, surviving 27 brutal years in prison before becoming the first democratically elected black president of Africa and playing a critical role in ending apartheid. Philanthropist, political activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, prominent spokesperson in the battle against AIDS, author of several books, and father to six children are just a few of the many hats that Nelson Mandela might don on any given day. To say the man is a legend would be a profound understatement.
And although not considered a yogi in the traditional sense of the word, few would argue that Mr. Mandela espoused the virtues of yoga. Faith, determination, and the steadfast resolve to remain steady on the path are key ingredients in the recipe for liberation.
I can’t wholeheartedly say that yoga has given me the discipline to keep marching on when tired (marching out of bed to go meditate is a challenge some days), the courage to speak out against injustices (a Starbucks order gone wrong topped the list this year), and the strength to evolve from hardships survived (sub-zero temperatures can be called a hardship!). Such traits would serve any of us well.
But I do know for certain that the mere reference to such a man, his triumphs and victories, his struggles and failures, instills within me the firm resolve to do what it takes to get the job done, to stand up for what I believe in, to welcome perceived obstacles as benchmarks for growth along the way. And that is the mark of a guru: they inspire you to live up to your potential, whatever that may be.
In the words of the great man himself, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”―Nelson Mandela
For lighting the way for so many and for showing us that circumstance is not the determinant of fate—that anything is possible—thank you, Nelson Mandela. Rest in peace.
What's Your Reaction?
