Love at First Sight

I believe in love at first sight, because I have loved my mom since I first opened up my eyes. - author unknown.

This photo was taken about 6 years ago in one of my favorite places in the whole world -- Upper Wilson Pond, Greenville, Maine. My mom to left and I on the right, have changed in many ways in the years that have followed this photo, I have moved in and out and back in to my parent's home throughout the years since when this picture was taken and now.  One thing that has not changed though is my unending and unconditional love for my mom.  Well, I suppose that has changed a bit too, as it has grown with the years -- my mom really did show me that love at first sight is possible - when I read the above quote I felt moved by its words and it has been on my mind since. 
As I led a yoga class yesterday for my mom, dad, sister and dear friend Michele - I found the words of that quote coming to mind throughout my teaching - 

I believe in love at first sight, because I have loved my mom since I first opened up my eyes. - author unknown 

I listened to the way that those there spoke of their expectations for the class ... they were excited and happy that they had taken the time out of their day to be there, one person wondered if my teaching would differ from a week and a half ago before I was officially 200 hour certified through Yoga Alliance, another questioned their strength and ability to make it through the practice, another still mentioned falling at some point, as they do not practice yoga much... I noted that the words spoken of Self and to one's Self were not always kind, they did not reflect the love at first sight - that our mother, that our father can teach us and did teach me.  
While all were in Shavasana, I briefly spoke about this. I shared the words that touched me -- I believe in love at first sight, because I have loved my mom since I opened my eyes -- I thought of how these words also reflected the love that my mom and many other parents I know spoke of immediately feeling for their little one.  I had the beautiful opportunity in that moment to look at out at those that practiced with me yesterday morning, such beautiful people from the inside out, and I thought "why is it that we do not afford ourselves that same love at first sight?".  I shared my thoughts on that -- at birth we learned about love at first sight, but as we grew up, we did not extend that love at first sight notion to our own Beings -- why not!? -- when we are each radiant.  So, I offered a challenge -- Stand in front of the mirror and allow your Self to fall in love at first sight, again and again, with each new day, with the one looking back at you -- your beautiful Self, your radiant Being. 
It is a challenge that I accept. 
As we work at being forces of Light in this world in desperate need of light, it is important to not forget that we must be that light for ourselves, now and always.
If we do not love ourselves and do not shine light for our own Being, then we cannot truly be a shining force of light for others... it begins within and moves outward. 
Love your Self, your Being at first sight with the dawn of each new day -- what a beautiful gift that can be. Peace, everyone.