contingency plans

In yoga, and in life, we set intentions. Daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. Intentions as general as: "cultivate patience" or "be more mindful" and as specific as releasing tension from the right quadricep or strengthening the core muscles. But we must balance these intentions and visions for ourselves with the acceptance that (1) things are in constant flux, (2) the unexpected pops up when you are least expecting it, and (3) plans almost never turn out the way you initially intended. So the challenge, ever-present in every aspect of life, is to balance the strength of your vision with the flexibility that allows the vision to shift gracefully to reflect reality. You can palpably feel this delicate balance in a yoga pose. You can experience the struggle and eventual melding of strength and flexibility, of power and openness. And, ideally, you take that out with you into the world, and empower yourself and other people with your incredible, inspiring balance.

This Frank Rich NY Times Column, is a humorous, insightful explanation as to why Hillary Clinton's lack of a contingency plan has imploded her presidential campaign.