Kaleidoscope: Swirling Colors, Chips and Twists

ka·lei·do·scope (k-ld-skp)n. 1. A tube-shaped optical instrument that is rotated to produce a succession of symmetrical designs by means of mirrors reflecting the constantly changing patterns made by bits of colored glass at one end of the tube. 2. A constantly changing set of colors. 3. A series of changing phases or events

Maybe you had a kaleidoscope as a child? The kind the colors and design change with each twist of the cylinder? The colors change, the chips fall into a different place, and a whole new design is formed. Did the pieces fall out of place or into place?

Or maybe you have relaxed and experienced the joys as an adult? What is the joy in it? Did you ever wonder? The colors and patterns can become hypnotic, allowing one to escape into the experience, if just for a moment. Experiencing a kaleidoscope, its colors and changes can become a metaphor for living.

Take a look inward. Each breath, each movement, each thought is like the twist of the kaleidoscope. Each of these changes our body, our spirit, our mind. What colors are in you? What shape are your chips in? How do they fall? Is there an order to the movement?

How does this relate to a Yoga practice? What posture stimulates you? What shape does your body feel good in? What colors do you see in yourself? And in those colors and shapes, how do they land when there is a ‘twist’ in your life? Do your chips fall into a new, organized pattern? Or do they fall into a pile on the bottom of the cylinder?

It is the practice of Yoga that can help your chips fall into an ordered pattern, no matter what the twist. If it is a slight movement of the ‘cylinder’, say losing your keys, the breathing practice can bring you back to center, adjust, relax enough to retrace your steps and find the keys.

If there is a greater event, such as the loss of a loved one, a Yoga practice enables one to breathe, stretch, reshape thoughts, and spirit before moving on to creating a new pattern. Being aware of feelings in the body, allowing one self to really feel emotions, sensations and loving self are all teachings of Yoga. Applying the Yama (ways of right living) Ahimsa, non-violence) to one self means kindness and compassion to self as well as to others. Take time to BE in this life, instead of always doing.

As we enter 2014, let’s look at ourselves in all our shapes and colors. Maybe we have some ‘chips’ that we believe a little too big, too small, misshapen, sharp edged or unwanted. Let us imagine ourselves a kaleidoscope. If that kaleidoscope is never moved, it holds its pattern. If moved and twisted as with a deep breath, or an asana (posture) practice, changes its pattern forever.

How will you move through this year? How will your colors change? What new patterns will you create? How well are you able to accept the twists that come through your life? How well do you practice Aparigraha (non-attachment), Santosha (contentment) and Ishwara-Pranidhana (surrender to God)? Simply put—How well are you able to ‘let the chips fall where they may’ to form the beautiful new patterns?

Wishing you the best in 2014

Betsy Brothers

#kaleidoscope