This week I am spending a week with my family. Spending time with the family of origin does sometimes feel like a good litmus test for how well I can retain my equanimity when poked. In Yoga the act of self-study, called Svadhyaya, is important. I find that the simple act of turning the lens on myself can cause me to detach from my emotional baggage. When I’m busy watching my reactions, I’m not lost in them.

I had spent years of hard work to get to this point - schooling, certifications, a successful business, money, a comfortable life. My situation represented the American Dream - what I had been working for my whole life. In a few minutes, it was gone.