"like the two wings of a butterfly, Wisdom and Love are inseparable expressions of our natural awareness. The wing of Wisdom is our clear understanding of Truth, the nature of reality. The wing of Love is our capacity to respond to whatever we experience with a tender, caring and appreciative heart. As we open these two wings, they carry us to the freed of our awakened Being." Tara Brach
This is one of my favorite quotes and teachings. Tara Brach beautifully uses the methapor of butterfly's wings to represent inseparable aspects of our natural awareness, guiding us toward a more liberated and enlightened state of being.
Wisdom is one wing, enabling us to see things as they truly are, free from the distortions of ego, fear, and ignorance. When we cultivate wisdom, we develop insight into the interconnectedness of all life and the impermanent, ever-changing nature of existence. This clarity allows us to navigate life with a deeper sense of purpose and understanding.
On the other side, Love is our capacity to respond to the world with a tender, caring, and appreciative heart. It’s about embracing each experience with compassion, kindness, and a deep sense of connection. When we open our hearts to love, we foster a sense of belonging and unity with all beings, which softens the edges of our existence and allows us to move through life with grace and empathy.
These two wings—Wisdom and Love—are deeply intertwined. True wisdom naturally gives rise to love, as seeing the truth of interconnectedness compels us to care for others.
Yoga offers a powerful path to cultivating Wisdom and Love. Through practice, we unite body, mind, and heart, creating space for clarity and compassion. Moving through postures (asanas) develops mindfulness, nurturing wisdom by helping us observe thoughts and sensations without attachment. Breathwork (pranayama) and meditation deepen our connection to the heart, fostering loving-kindness. In this way, yoga becomes a transformative tool for balancing and awakening these two essential wings where we live with an open heart and a clear mind, fully aligned with the truth of who we are.
You can find a Metta (loving-kindness) meditation on my resources page, In all my offerings, my intention is to help your inner butterfly blossom
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