Live Like Forest . . .

By now you’ve probably seen Forrest Gump, right? Alright, if we were born in the same or one generation away, you have.  Forrest was the simple man with a low I.Q., the “idiot of the town,” the “stupid man.” He didn’t want to game the system. He didn’t want to be smarter or better than anyone else. He was too ignorant to realize the significance of his actions.  

Though some would say Forrest was not the brightest star, I would describe Forrest as a truly enlightened spirit. He loved unconditionally. He had no fears, no inhibitions, and no doubts. He didn't think about consequences or goals or ideals. He just did everything that was presented to him. He didn't think. He just did. When the Drill Sergeant asked Forrest what his sole purpose in the Army was, Forrest answered, “To do whatever you tell me, Drill Sergeant!”  Drill Sergeant responded, “You're a Goddamn genius. That's the most outstanding answer I've ever heard. You must have a goddamn I.Q. of a hundred and sixty. You are goddamn gifted, Private Gump!” Forrest Gump was here to serve, love, and follow his own destiny. Forrest would go with the flow of life. 

So like Forrest, if you feel like running, run. If you feel like playing ping pong, play ping pong. If you feel like screaming, scream. If you feel like crying, cry. If you feel like dancing, dance. If you feel like singing, sing. If you feel like loving, love. Be everything you feel like being and you too will find life like a “box of chocolates.” You’ll never know what you’ll get in each bite, but surely you will savor the goodness and the sweetness and the bitterness of every bite. When you finish eating the whole box, you’ll know that you have no regrets because you’ll know that you tried them all and now you’ll know which ones were tasty and which ones were not. 

Although Forrest is a fictional character, we could take a few lessons from the way that he lived. It was because of his light hearted and simple minded spirit that he accomplished so much. His intention was always for good.  If we simulate his fictitious character’s ways to our “real” life, and go through life without thinking so much, or worrying so much, or adding fear, doubts and inhibitions into the big stew of life, we’ll find that on the contrary, everything is possible.  

 “Forrest Gump” is the story of a being that rose above the challenges, and that proved that determination, courage, and love are more important than ability. Let’s all practice being a little bit more like Forrest and just DO instead of thinking! 

And… that is all I have to say about that! 

Nulise Santana

Raised in a religious household, Nulise always had the notion that something greater than her existed. 
Left with unanswered questions, she sought her own truth. Sometimes she found meaning 
in music and sometimes in her psychology and philosophy courses, but it wasn’t until she discovered 
meditation and yoga that she began to make a journey of self discovery. She felt a sense of bliss 
after every yoga class, and understood there was something profound with this practice, 
which led her to seek more. 

Though a true believer in the power of the self, in 2012 she left behind the corporate world to pursue 
her true purpose - to help and to heal others through the power of yoga. She took this intention to India where she completely immersed herself in the study of yoga. The beauty and intensity of living and practicing 
in the Ashram impassioned Nulise to teach traditional yoga fundamentals, with the goal 
of inspiring her students to find their own truth, as she did. 

In her teachings, she incorporates music, chants, meditation, intention and prayer 
to heal and empower the spirit. Nulise thrives to create an inner journey for her students 
through a wholesome practice, which is conveyed with sincere love and compassion. 

Nulise is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher, Kids yoga and prenatal yoga.
Nulise.com