I Saw the Sign and It Opened Up My Mind

I often wonder about signs we see that give us new perspective.  I’m not talking about street signs, or exit signs, but those signs that are more hidden, perhaps only visible to you.  What allows us to be in the right place at the right time to see something that gives us energy, hope, determination, or guides us on our journey?

Back in 2002, I was in the midst of a separation, and wanting to move out of my comfort zone of the Maryland suburbs. I decided to cross the river and settle in Virginia. Even though I had grown up in Maryland and DC, I didn’t know much about Virginia and enlisted the help of a friend to show me around. One weekday evening as I exited DC and promptly sat among the traffic on 395, the song Meet Virginia by Train came on the radio. I thought the timing was interesting, but was amazed when a white car with the license plate ‘See Joe Go’ moved into my lane directly in front of me for the duration of the song. Over the years I’ve enjoyed many nicknames, ‘Jo’, ‘Joe’, or ‘Joey’ have all been a part of my life as some point.  As soon as the song was over, the car moved over to the next lane, and I never saw it again. I enjoy reflecting on this moment now, 10 years later, as I was making such an important decision in my life. I felt, on some level, someone was cheering me on, encouraging me to make the change and go to Virginia.

Fast forward a decade later, remarried with two children, working to maintain a rigorous work schedule while giving myself enough family time, and striving to make this all possible, I sought some counseling for assistance. Happy with my first session, but becoming a bit sad on the drive home, wondering if everything will work out the way that I had hoped, I saw another license plate that gave me the strength I needed. A car, with the personalized plate, ‘HTHF8TH’, which I read as ‘have to have faith’, appeared in front of me. I smiled, thanking the universe for that reminder that I need to trust that all situations, easy and difficult, will help me grow as a person. I will learn from the struggle and must be willing to embrace the agitation I feel with my current situation. Recalling the wise word from nationally known yoga instructor, Judith Lasater, “If you want to embrace the light, you must also embrace the darkness.”

I’m so thankful for the individuals whose personalized license plates have helped me along my journey. What has helped you? Have there been signs you’ve seen that have helped you on your path? Please share them in the comments section, I’d love to hear about them. And someday if you see a car with the license plate that reads ‘HAPPY’, you’ll know who is driving. Namaste.

Copyright © 2012 Johanna Seltzer.

Johanna Seltzer, RYT 200, has been teaching since 1991, beginning in dance, and currently in the yogic tradition. She holds a B.A. in dance from the University of Maryland, and a graduate certificate in arts management from American University where she also serves as an adjunct faculty member. Johanna is a consultant for the Dance Heritage Coalition, River’s Edge Yoga, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and Virginia Yoga Week. She is a yoga and wellness blogger for the Mount Vernon Patch, and teaches locally at St. Aidan’s Church, Mount Vernon Recreation Center, Mount Vernon Athletic Club, and Pure Prana Yoga Studio. In addition to group classes, Johanna teaches private sessions and classes for corporate wellness programs. For more information, visit www.innerlightyogi.com.