Creating, and living, your own legacy

I’m bridging my two worlds for this post - being a leadership development coach and a yoga teacher. Along with my own self-reflection on what I’m doing and where I want to go and grow.

When I start with a new coaching client, we always go through a leadership reflection exercise during our first meeting together. I find it to be an incredibly helpful way to get to know someone and begin the process of self-reflection and awareness for the people I partner with. The last question in the exercise is always, what do you want to be remembered for when you retire? I’ve heard a lot of different answers. Some very career-focused, others more family-focused, and some completely random. All are welcome when they truly reflect who they are. I’ve also spent time thinking about this question myself.

Over the past month in yoga, we’ve been working through the chakra system. Chakras are a system of subtle energy centers described in ancient yogic traditions. Often used as a framework for understanding our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They offer another path to deepen our awareness of self. I LOVE the chakras. Each one tied to elements, places in the body, emotions, colors, seed sounds, and more.

Last week, we explored the third chakra, the Manipura. Located in the solar plexus, we worked with this energy center physically through twisting and core-focused movements, and mentally by reflecting on our inner strength, determination, and resilience. This week, we begin the fourth chakra, the Anahata, the heart center. Themes of love, compassion, openness, and forgiveness are connected to the heart chakra. And just like an emerald green lotus, I like to think of each person’s heart as a beautiful flower ready to bloom.

Onboarding a new client and teaching the Chakras got me thinking about how these two ideas are connected. How we work, how we want to be remembered, and how we use our energy are tied together. And together they can provide us guidance on creating a legacy.

I think of a legacy as something we leave behind. Whether we’re leaving a job, a place, or moving through a transition, it is what people will remember us by and that positively impacts others. It doesn’t have to be tied to the end of life, it can be a part of any transition. For it to feel authentic, it has to come from who we truly are and how we want others to feel. A legacy needs direction. It also requires willpower, action, and that inner fire to bring it to life. And for it to truly impact others, it must include a layer of compassion and love.

Thinking about my own legacy is a fun (and challenging!) exercise. However some themes are definitely present. Empowering women, sharing knowledge, connecting body and spirit, and encouraging self-love. Using the power of coaching for clarity, third chakra inner fire, and fourth chakra for kindness and empathy - I hope to make it happen!

Self-exploration and discovery, determination, and love. All of these are woven together to create your legacy. It’s the inquiry into what you want to leave behind, the strength and courage to pursue it, and the joy you experience along the way.

Want to live a more yoga inspired life? I’ve got you in two ways! Download my Life Audit for more clarity on your purpose and priorities. Receive a free week of online yoga, meditations, journaling, and reflections.