Wednesday, May 7, 2014

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do" - Rumi

I love all of Rumi's writings, but this quote in particular is one that has always filled my heart. I have read it over and over again and it never fails to fill me with inspiration and joy. 
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." 
It is the quote that I chose to have tattooed onto my body after completing my BFA degree in dance, knowing full and well that if I chose to continue down the path of being a professional dancer I would come across difficult times, but that the challenges would be worth it. I have to let the beauty of all the things that I love and care about, be what I do in the world. I have to know that my life's work is meaningful and beautiful, even if only to myself. As I approach a very big show with one of my dance companies a month from now, I can already feel myself getting caught up in the stress of managing all of my other jobs and responsibilities while preparing for the show. I was feeling frustrated that I needed to come into the yoga studio today not to take class but to work and make phone calls and return emails, thinking "I have a show soon! I have to do yoga! I have to clear my mind and stretch and move my body!" But when I walked in the door of the studio, I immediately noticed the chalkboard behind my desk that one of my lovely friends continually draws beautiful quotes on.
 "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do"  
It brought me right back. I help manage this studio because it is so very beautiful to me. It is my second home and I am so blessed that one of my "non dance jobs" is something that I care so much about! I got the studio ready to open and started checking emails. The very first email I opened had a signature at the bottom...
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do"
It's everywhere. This life is so beautiful. The people I come in contact with are so beautiful. The jobs that I have, whether it be dancing, or nannying, or studio managing, or stage managing, are all so very beautiful. The beauty feeds itself. By simply acknowledging that what I do is beautiful, it creates space for more beauty to flourish. Thank you universe for reminding me of this today.