can you disappoint another to be true to yourself?

the invitation, by oriah mountain dreamer, is one of my favorite poems -  i share it every so often at the conclusion of a yoga class.

and yet, i come to this part of the poem – and i choke. 

because i don’t know the answer . . .  though am slowly finding out.

i’m sure as heck not alone, either. 

as my friend struggles to speak what she believes – she fears others may condemn her.

as my daughter makes her choice of college – she is aware her mom may be secretly crushed.

any person that has come face to face with any major life decision, heard the cry for change, or felt destiny’s pull has asked this question.

can you bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul?

in order to consciously live the meaning of our lives, there are decisions and choices we must make that will defy another’s expectations.  perhaps even someone we adore and respect.

but in the end, the truth we must live is ours, and ours alone. 

yoga is about discovering who we are – the process of individuation.  but once this revelation begins, we must stay true.  it’s a daily calling, that constant tug of our inner soul. 

it might not always be the most popular path. we will risk disappointing others, for sure. 

but, as the poem reminds us - when we’re alone, in the empty moments, the company we must enjoy and embrace is all our own.