The Sunset of Our Lives

Life is a journey—just as yoga is a journey.

Our life’s journey takes us along many pathways. Some paths are easier than others. Most paths teach life lessons. The choice of which paths we take helps us on our journey of discovery and growth.

When we embark on the yoga journey, we follow a path of awareness. We discover ourselves: our self-talk, endurance, comfort with silence, challenges, strengths, and interactions with the world. It is a journey that matures as we move through life.

We begin our journey with the sunrise of new birth– shining our goodness and light into the world. Our hearts seek purpose and positive experiences in life. We begin our yoga journey as a novice, excited and willing to see what lies ahead. Perhaps, we are a little uncertain about our capabilities and comfort. But our eyes speak volumes of unconditional trust.

As we enter the teenage years, we become more comfortable with our yoga journey. We are more confident as the sun creeps beyond the horizon. Our practices are more exploratory and adventurous as we discover our skills and strengths. We are wide-eyed and eager to get into the car and drive our chosen path. For we know the road ahead offers a multitude of opportunities.

As we travel the road into adulthood, we become more experienced in our practices. But shockingly, we realize that we don’t know nearly as much about ourselves and the world as we thought. Joseph Campbell, American writer of comparative mythology said, “He who thinks he knows, doesn’t know. He who knows he doesn’t know, knows!” (1998, The Power of Myth). At this stage, the sun lingers high in the noon sky, shining on us– spotlighting our strengths to the world. Yet, its brightness causes our eyes to squint, casting shadows of uncertainty and realization that there is such much more to learn on our journey.

My Dad journaled, “…there are aspects of life that neither science, philosophy, or religion can ever fully explain…. Being limited by what the mind of humanity can grasp at times, it is enough to know we will never know or understand it all.” (Dan French, July 29, 1993). Yet, doesn’t that give us hope? With so much potential to learn, we never fear being stagnant or resigned that the world holds no more value. There are always more poses and variations to explore. There are always more questions and answers.

As the sun shifts lower in the afternoon sky of our mid-life, the sun’s light starts to soften and our energy levels change. We move with gentle closed eyes, reflecting on our life’s journey– where we’ve been, our priorities, and where we hope to travel with our remaining time. We hold on to the moments of stillness and deeper breaths in our practices, appreciating the present moments even more.

When the sun starts to set in our old age at the end of our practices, we discover the journey progressively changed throughout our lives. We realize the people who refused to accept change struggled and caused injury in their practices. Our willingness to try variations allowed us to adapt to life’s circumstances. It is with this realization and acceptance that we cast our heartfelt eyes upon the sunset. Then, only then, do we finally find true acceptance and peaceful presence in the simple moments of life.

The end of our journey and practices shouldn’t bring sadness and want. When the sun sets on our lives, it is not the end. There are many more practices and experiences ahead. They just may be different than what we expect in this life.

There is a new sunrise before us. Look ahead. Accept it. Embrace what is to come. For it is the beginning of a brand-new journey.

(Photos: Courtesy of Nicole Helal, Cindy DuBois, Ashley Helal, and Amy French)

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