Take a moment to consider the word courage. It finds its root in the Latin, “coure”, meaning

heart. So “Living from the heart” actually implies having the courage to create a fully participative life with absolute honesty and integrity—regardless of circumstance. A life that is a direct manifestation of your being. There is no guesswork or analysis necessary when your acts are born from the depths of your soul.

Consider your life as a work of art. Its brilliance comes alive from deep within and initially emerges through focused determination and effort. At some point however, you may find the courage to let your heart, rather than your mind (and most likely your fears) direct your intentions. To surrender and welcome destiny, as you realize an energy much greater than your will. There, you will find yourself in a state of natural grace known in the world of yoga as anugraha, where your clumsy efforts cease as you step into the flow of Creation. And there, you will recognize your external existence as a matchless metaphor for your being. A work of art, which when integrated with the Source of creativity, shines like a burning sun.

We typically consider courage as the strength to confront an adversary. But on the rocky road of self-realization, we recognize the true adversaries—the ones strategically hidden within. They are the facades created by our struggle for the survival of our delicate egos and identities. These masks have deep roots and histories and may even have the ability to shape-shift. They are fueled by layers and layers of fears and suppositions that may often have mutated over decades. They are cunning little demons indeed...