We open and close a lot of doors in our lifetime, don’t we? There are, of course, all the physical doors we go through, but there are many figurative ones too—such as starting or ending a career, a relationship or any phase of our life. The phrases “open the door” and “close the door” are used to signal these moments of crossing over from one place to another.

I got to wondering this week: “Can the doorway be like a mindfulness bell calling us back to our best selves?” Here are a couple of examples of how this became clearer for me.

My friend was the recipient of two small diamond-shaped pieces of paper which carried the parallel verses for the lunar new year. The giving and receiving of these verses is an annual custom in the tradition of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. The verses for this year are breathing in “Peace in every step,” breathing out “Freedom in every smile.” She decided to tape them to her front door so that she would see them and pause to breathe as she was heading out the door in the morning.

Another friend was telling me about the “do not disturb” sign she had purchased to place on the door of her meditation room so that she could alert other family members to her need for quiet and privacy. She got into the habit of storing the sign on the inside of her door when she wasn’t meditating. Recently she read the sign as she was walking out of her meditation room and it dawned on her that inside the door was actually a better location for the sign. It is now a reminder of her commitment to not disturb others as she makes her way through this life.

I invite you to observe the doors you cross over both literally and figuratively. What have you carried over those thresholds? What have you left behind? What can you do to remind yourself of the qualities you wish to embody as you step through the door?

Well, here we are in a new year with a new set of intentions. We’ve been here before, my friend: Let’s do it again and this time, let’s get it right. “Start that diet and lose weight.” “Learn the principles of investing and make a lot of money.” “Go back to school and earn that degree.” ENOUGH ALREADY!
 
These pressures are not only overwhelming, they are also unrealistic. The Vedic tradition is clear: If you were supposed to have these things, they would be here already. Let that soak in for a moment. We are taught that the aim of life is to go out there and get what we want, basically make a way even if no way exists. But the Vedic tradition tells us: Whatever you need or are supposed to have will show up on your doorstep.
 
This is the concept of flowing with life rather than trying to bend life to our own will and wishes. This doesn’t mean, of course, that we just sit back and wait for life to happen for us; certainly we have to live our lives the way that makes sense for us based on our interests and abilities. But here’s the beauty at the core of these basic teachings:
 
When we are in touch with the flow of life both within and outside ourselves, everything falls into place as it meant to be. We don’t have to force, struggle or even be afraid. Life is always for us so we can never lose in this game of life.
 
Here are some of the ways I have been working with this teaching and maybe it will spark your own reflections:
 
√ Saying “good morning” to every new day
 
√ Approaching my work with curiosity and allowing it to shift as it needs to
 
√ Extending understanding and forgiveness toward those who have hurt me
 
√ Repeating the affirmation “I trust the flow of life”

“Welcome! We were waiting for you and we’re so happy that you’re here.”
These are the words Mr. Paige used to greet us as we arrived at our hotel in New Orleans last week. I have never met someone so enthusiastic at a front desk and his attitude brought a big smile to my face and ease to my body. We had arrived at our temporary home in Louisiana.

Recently a spiritual teacher introduced the concept of “residue” or being aware of what we leave behind when we leave the scene. Whenever we relate to others, we communicate by what we say, how we say it and the attitude we maintain throughout the encounter. And yes, our attitude comes through even if we think we are covering it up with our words. The spiritual teacher suggested that, after every encounter in person, on the phone or in writing, we pause at the end and ask “What residue did I leave behind?”

This question really stuck with me as I considered the many emails I write, the yoga and meditation classes I teach, and the numerous times during the day that I initiate and respond to prompts from my partner and companion animals at home. What am I leaving in my wake when I write, teach and talk with others? Does what I share truly represent me at my best?

How do you communicate and relate to others throughout your day? Looking back on those encounters, what residue did you leave behind?

This concept really popped for me when I met Mr. Paige. Whether his sunny spirit is natural or more intentional, he gets high marks for being positive, inspiring, supportive, calming and accepting of others. And each time that he or you or I share these uplifting moments, we increase the good vibrations that encircle us all. Let’s all remember to take a peek at what we’re leaving behind!