A couple years ago when I was visiting New York I took the train to Washington D.C. for the day. I went through the Holocaust Museum, walked by The White House, saw the Lincoln Memorial, and walked through the Martin Luther King Junior memorial. There were these giant walls with various MLK quotes on them.

This one in particular struck me in that moment, and has stayed with me ever since:

"The ultimate measure of a [woman] is not where [she] stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where [she] stands at times of challenge and controversy"

I use this quote somewhat regularly in the yoga classes I teach. It so beautifully goes along with the teachings of yoga that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, and that everything happens for a reason.

In my experience, it's easier to believe in this philosophy when things are comfortable and convenient. It's far more difficult to trust your circumstances when they are dark and difficult. But MLK knew it, and I think we all know it deep down inside, that we grow and learn in times of challenge and controversy. We can choose to show up for ourselves, or to wallow in the pain.

I choose to stand up and show up for myself.

xxo