“My religion is kindness” - Dalai Lama ❤️ This quote has stayed with me ever since I began my life journey following Buddhist philosophy at the age of 16 & my spiritual teacher being the Dalai Lama. When I began on this path I was told by many that it was just a “phase”. I was even asked why I wanted to make my life more difficult by being even more different. At the end of the day I never cared what others thought, for in this philosophy of life awakened my spirituality which had been lost for several years. The Dalai Lama to me holds a safe space. He’s genuine, loving, kind & holds the simple belief that the world for whatever reason cannot grasp that kindness is the core of humanity. I admittedly am not always the most kind person & I without a doubt do not hold the Dalai Lama’s temperament - I have a strong fire within me that I’m incredibly aware of but he reminds me with his being on how I can be better.

When I look at my spiritual journey much of what has awakened came from when I discovered the practice of yoga, or rather when it discovered me. I had spent the last 4 years without any spirituality in my life, I felt like an empty shell. This came following the death of my older sister & not receiving support from the church I went to (was very unchristian). I also did not know how to grieve. By the time I was 16yrs old I had shutdown my grief & overworked my body with exercise along with malnourishing myself. I ended up with several severe injuries, the worst tearing nerves in my left foot where at times left me in excruciating pain & would not hold my weight.

I was a sinking ship. I then began practicing yoga with private instruction. It was a non physical practice but a mental, emotional, & spiritual practice. Within this practice I was learning to be kind to my body, to my Self. To give my body & love that I had denied for many years. I began to better understand my grief & reawaken my spirit.

There were many books on the shelves in the yoga studio but I was immediate drawn to the Dalai Lama. When I read his quote “My religion is kindness” I thought, no felt “I am home” Together in that single quote & my practice of yoga brought me home. @taylor_munholland ...read more