I started presenting Facebook live yoga classes two months ago because I miss the members of my classes during this Covid-19 pandemic and wanted to connect. Though I cannot see them on screen I know they are there and talk to them like they are with me. I find that every time I teach these classes my focus is on yoga and the members and I don't think about anything else going on in the world. It is a lovely escape for me for a renewal of positive energy. I've heard from a number of participants and they are delighted as well with the yoga and the connection, many sharing with me how much these events mean to them. I had no idea.
My husband and I recently watched a movie from 9 years ago - Larry Crowne. Tom Hanks plays Larry who works at UMart and is one of their top employees. He is fired because he does not have a college degree. He ends up going to college so that he can never be fired for that reason again. Julia Roberts is one of his professors. She is looking for meaning in her work and feels like she isn't having any impact. One of her classes is a speech class that Crowne is enrolled in. It turns out in the end that many lives are actually impacted very positively by her work and she finally gets to see that in the growth and performance of her students, especially Crowne. It means the world to her and changes her whole approach and enjoyment of her work and life going forward.
I always loved the Christmas movie with Jimmy Stewart - It's A Wonderful Life. In it Jimmy's character gets to see what life would be like if he had never existed. We never rally get to know fully how we are impacting others. You can make sure your impact is a positive one. A slight tweak to your behavior and attitude will make a world of difference. Know that if you hear a positive response from one person, there are probably many more having the same kind of experience through your energy. Think about the kind of impact you would like to have on others and the world. Make a plan for some actions you can take to head in that direction and then go for it!
