When one finds their true purpose in life, whether it is being a parent, a doctor, an electrician, an artist or a Yoga teacher, it is unequivocally important to listen to and to pursue the nudging that your soul speaks. I believe that if we never follow what our inner voice is asking to do, we will endlessly spin during this human life looking elsewhere for fulfillment, continually lost and yet often seeking.
It is hard for me to imagine what may have happened had I not listened. Especially during those days of diapers and snotty noses, when I was seeking some sort of resemblance of control by manically cleaning and organizing my life, that my purpose was lying dormant until the perfect time to emerge from the darkness. I know more than anything that my girl was absolutely placed in my life to open the door for me to walk into my soul purpose. The winding road was difficult and took many detours, but ultimately it was her who said, “Come on Mom, something really great awaits you.”
This is how I have come to be here today, and how my passion became my purpose. It is also how I took a challenge that life handed me and helped me to create meaning not just for myself, but more importantly for others. If you can glean any insights into not only teaching Yoga to people with unique needs but in everyday life, then it was all most definitely worth it. I believe after-all each of us is supposed to do something powerful with our lives and we use our challenges to make the world a better place.
Part of my yoga teacher mentoring program is diving into the method that I have created and have seen incredible success from across various settings and abilities. My method touches on the teachings of Yoga and has much less focus on the physical body than many Western teachings. It seems our physical focused culture equates Yoga with touching our toes or putting ourselves into strange shapes. This focus lends many who mentor with me or those who are curious about my students to ask questions and wonder.
The question that I get asked more than any other question in the mentoring program from other yoga teachers is — how do you take traditional yoga postures and make them available to people with various levels of mobility?
I teach in my mentoring program that fundamentals that I believe every class has to HAVE to happen: community, movement, breathing, and gratitude. The movement part is what we tend to focus on, but many of my students are not able to move their bodies independently so some tweaking to the postures becomes a little more challenging. If they are willing to allow you to move their bodies for them (with lots of tenderness) then it really is not much different.
Notice below in this picture there are three different versions of seated mountain pose. One with both arms, one with one arm, and one with the student assisting herself with her partially paralyzed right arm to extend it to the sky.
Are all of these versions “correct”? Does that even matter? To me, not at all. Each of these students are connecting to themselves and are in it. They are each experiencing their own unique sensations, thoughts and feelings about the shape that their body is creating, and that is the ultimate essence of Yoga.
Nothing makes me shake my head more that when someone says that can’t do yoga because they are not flexible. Our silly minds have such a way of distorting truth and coming up with irrational reasons as to why we resist something that may be different or new.
I say often there is a method to the madness. Yoga is about awareness and union with ourselves and the avenues in which we travel to get there is actually quite similar to a traditional class, regardless of style or ability, if the intention is aligned. When we connect and let go of the chatter that something has to be “right” or done in whatever ideal of perfection one thinks, we then find the union we are seeking.
If you are a curious Yoga teacher wanting to learn more, reach out to me for additional opportunities to learn and be part of an online forum of learning.
Spring is the perfect time to dive into personal growth right alongside of nature. The month of May is perfect for tapping into the divine feminine energy to foster some nurturing for the growth ahead.
if you’ve been following along with the the last few months, you may have caught my theme of personal growth. Back in March we learned how to prepare our “soil” in the garden in our heart by removing the trash, twigs and weeds that take can take over when left unattended. In April, we took some intentions into our hearts and planted them within with hopes that we will grow in an area of ourselves that we may be lacking. I personally chose to grow some acceptance after I worked hard on removing some disappointments.
Nurturing the Seeds
Now, this month we continue on by looking at how do we nurture these “seeds”? What types of things will act as sunshine and water for the precious intentions we have cultivated in our spirits?
One of my favorite ways to work with the energy of nurturing is to really tap into the divine feminine energy.
Divine feminine energy is of receptivity and stillness.
Divine feminine energy is of non-doing.
Feminine energy dwells in the shadows and is connected the the lunar energy. Feminine energy is the receptive side of us that is softer, slower, still, and welcoming of ideas and thoughts.
Slowing down in general especially on the days where you do not have to be doing and going. Society glorifies busy. Then burnout happens.
How to work towards the still, peaceful moments that connect you to a deeper part of yourself.
Also attempting to tap more into your intuition is another aspect to living more in the divine energy flow of life. Having daily rituals is important to stay connected to this energy. Mastering self care rituals which include bubble baths and time alone in the garden. Waking early and spending some quiet time alone. These little moments in a busy day help to keep the divine feminine energy there.
This month in my personal practice as well as my teachings, I intend to move on my mat in ways that nurture this energy. Coming into flowing and graceful movements while then holding postures in stillness and looking inward. Slowing down my body on the mat to lean into the stillness within will transfer to my life which is the true purpose of yoga.
Aromatherapy and Divine Feminine Energy
Also part of my slowing down softening the edges of myself, and being more intuitive and intentional about things includes using aromatherapy. I love to use essential oils to help the process of connecting. It sounds crazy, but essential oils and plant therapy have been used for centuries in various forms and during rituals. Most modern medicine is derived from the properties of plants and I love using the purest form of the plant.
In my experience, the higher noted citrus oils or flower-scented oils offer a strong connection to the divine feminine.
Once you have experimented with scents and their effects, you may like to also integrate yoga and crystals into your practices to tap into the divine feminine. It took me some experimenting to find what I love, and what I need.
Suggested Essential Oils for Awakening the Divine Feminine:
Bergamot — The oil of self-acceptance and self-love. Also promotes self-confidence and the knowing that you are enough.
Geranium — The oil of love and trust. Geranium helps us forgive, become more tolerant and gentle. It eases heavyhearted emotions and feelings of abandonment.
Lavender — Oil of Balance. If all else fails, this oil is one of the most versatile. If you’re up and not grounded, lavender is the anchor. Conversely, if you’re down, lavender is the sunshine to shift the clouds.
Ylang Ylang —The oil to release. This oil helps us feel playful, free, intuitive and emotionally connected. Ylang Ylang helps us release bottled up emotions. This plant also opens up our playful side and inner child.
Clary Sage — The oil of clarity and vision. This beautiful oil helps develop spiritual clarity, intuition and open-mindedness. It teaches us how to use our divinely given feminine gifts. It also helps balance hormones.
Rose-The oil of divine love. It supports you as a queen and symbolises pure divine universal love. Rose dissolves fear and awakens our inner goddess. Rose helps us feel more compassionate, tenderhearted and accepting, drawing out those feminine qualities. Rose allows us to choose to receive divine love.
Cedarwood — Oil of Community. Cedarwood inspires the feeling of belonging and assists the heart in opening to receive the love and support of other people.”
Magnolia — Oil of Compassion. Magnolia encourages all individuals on a profoundly spiritual level to interact without causing pain or suffering and to refrain from seeing others as somehow less than oneself.
Thyme — Oil of Releasing & Forgiving. This herbal essential oil is beautiful for becoming more openhearted and understanding. Thyme “assists in addressing trapped feelings which have been buried for a long time.”
Ideally when we use essential oils to support feminine energy, we are looking to feel all the feelings we’ve likely been suppressing–self love, acceptance, intuition, and the softness of our spirit.
Using these oils will gently soften and bring out the feminine side of you. They are a lovely way to self empower and value add to any self-care activity you are undertaking to better your life and mindset. I love to make a roller blend with these oils during this month to tap into the feelings of nurturing my divine feminine and start to really give the seeds in my heart that I’ve been working on planting the last month or so.
I have a gorgeous free ebook that walks you through the use of essential oils in everyday life for your family. Whether you opt for the more energetic and emotional uses or the practical everyday remedies, you can check it out here.
Have you ever used a Mala and practiced Japa meditation? Malas — also known as yoga beads or japamalas — are necklaces that usually have 108 beads. Mala, in Sanskrit means “garland”. Malas are meant to help you focus your mind during meditation. While Japa meditation is my favorite way to meditate, the beads themselves hold a powerful visual reminder throughout the day of the statement I meditated on and the tactile sensation brings me right back. When my mind wanders throughout the day, I can simply touch my mala and I am reminded of what statement I chose.
In meditation practice, Japa meditation holds a special place. It is the process of mentally repeating a mantra or speaking a phrase while meditating using a mala. The word Japa means muttering in Sanskrit. The meditative practice of Japa keeps the human mind steady and resistant to disturbance.
Meditation could mean different things to different people. I have written and taught how to transform meditation into mindfulness and how learning to live each moment in the state of mindfulness can change your life. While sometimes I have a “formal” meditation practice, it is often that my meditation/mindfulness practice takes shape in other ways.n
Many consider meditation as a quiet observation, wherein others often consider it a practice of self-awareness or reflection upon themselves. Either way, stillness and introspection is an amazing insight to your daily life.
I love to practice Japa meditation because for me it helps me to focus on a powerful statement, 108 times. It embeds in my spirit something positive and powerful. Plus the tactile use of the mala adds an element to the meditation that my mind enjoys. I have several Malas—some are made of stones like jasper and agate but my favorite is a sandalwood mala that has become richer over times as I use it.
The practice of Japa creates beneficial mental pathways and is a strong technique for focusing the mind and harnessing the subtle powers of the body/mind. I have seen this practice in my students many times as we learn Japa together. Some have even purchased mala beads to continue on their own.
How to practice Japa meditation:
Japa meditation is practiced by moving your fingers along a mala or the strings of beads known as Japa mala. There are many types of Japa that include speaking the mantra aloud, whispering the mantra or silently repeating the mantra. I prefer to be silent. There is also a technique you can use if you don’t have a string of mala beads. You can see that technique in this video.
Now that you know how to practice Japa, choose a powerful statement and try it.
Here are some positive affirmations to try:
I am calm
I am centered
I am in control
I am loved
I am grateful
am worthy of what I do and speak
I am valued and loved
I am allowed to put myself first
I am safe
I am secure
I release all my shame that I am holding
I love my body and what it does for me.
Most often, I simply say “I am____” and follow it with a variety of words like patient, strong, healthy, resilient, powerful, etc.
Are you going to give it a try?
* this is my sandalwood mala and a Sanskrit word Shanti tattoo which translates to peace
In order to grow we must first remove what it is in the way.
For many years I have been teaching the concept that much like a garden we have outside, before we can plant anything and expect it to grow, we first have to remove all the old stuff, the trash and the things that are cluttering the soil. Today, as I was doing that exact literal thing in my backyard raking leaves and removing last years dead plants that were once so vibrant, I was reminded of the conversation I had this week with a group of men who have traumatic brain injures.
I teach this topic every March, regardless of who is in my classes because I think no matter who you are and what your life experience is, we all have something that is cluttering up our heart and therefore limiting the potential we have to grow. This might be something like fear, disappointment, regret, guilt, shame, resentment, anger or any other feeling and emotion that we have carried around for days or decades.
As I was guiding a meditation about visualizing a garden and seeing the old growth, the twigs and the trash, I asked them each to see a garden in their heart that may also have some things that could be getting in the way of growth.
I shared with my ‘frat house’ that they have fondly referred to themselves as, that I have some disappointment that is taking up space in my own heart. I carry it day after day, year after year and despite all my attempts to pull it out, it seems to have a root system that is deep and new shoots pop up and take over my heart at times.
As we had a discussion about this, they called me out on it and the wise man who developed a life changing brain tumor at age 23 gave me the best insight on how to manage all the little twigs and trash that take up space. He is turning 60 in a a few weeks and following his diagnosis while in his final year of college his life has been a series of assisted living settings and long term support. He lost his independence and so much more, and yet is so wise.
Are you ready for this? In my humbleness, I asked how does one remove all the “twigs and trash” from our hearts. I asked how do I remove the disappointment?
He shared that you can never fully rid of every twig or piece of trash that has landed in the garden, instead you have to learn to manage and grow around them.
Huh, I said.
Tell me more, I said.
He went on to say that the remnants of the the “twigs” and “trash” will likely always be there and sometimes they may stick out of the soil and poke you but our job is to plants things around them so the beauty takes over.
Again, I asked how.
The wise teacher said:
forgiveness
acceptance
gratitude
When we forgive ourselves and others we remove so much of the garbage that fills our heart. This removes resentment, bitterness, and what-if thinking. When we accept was IS we no longer grieve for what might have been which brings presence to growing today. And finally, when we focus on being grateful we see all that we have, not all that we do not have.
How’s that for insightful?
It’s not so much about removing the parts of our heart that impede growth, but rather moving them aside through forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude so that we make space for something far more amazing to grow.
Behold my friends, the spring has come; the Earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of this love. —Sitting Bull
Ahhhh….Can you believe that spring is just around the corner? Soon we will push our clocks forward and the longer days will be upon on us. I can’t wait! I love a good snowy day, but to see the beginnings of green growth popping out is so exciting to me! When I recently was out raking some old stuff up in the garden I was thrilled to see a little green in the wildflower area.
I love spring and the symbolism it represents to me. It is during the springtime that we often think of beginnings, newness, and growth. I can recall at least four times in my life that major changes occurred in March. This is a great time to begin to cultivate your “soil” so that soon you can plant seeds of intention. One way to do this is to write down anything in your life you wish to increase—friendships, health, abundance or joy, peace, etc. Be clear about your visions, review your intentions often, and dream big!
While you are preparing yourself for a season of growth, this is also a time to eliminate the old stuff of the past season that is leftover–things like thoughts of limitation, fears or doubts. That kind of clutter can easily invade your precious garden of growth. I like to think of it much like my actual garden bed in my backyard where last years leaves, twigs, trash and growth clutter and cover the soil. If I want to give the new growth any chance to break through, I better take the time to clear away the old stuff. I like to call this preparing our soil for a new season of growth.
Pay close attention this month as you will daily changes around you, if you opt to pay attention. As we connect with Nature we also connect with ourselves. We realize that we too are ever-changing and growing beings. We can set the seeds of intention and begin to nurture and cultivate what we wish to have growing in our lives. It here we are reminded of the union that Life offers.
Be sure to check out my upcoming March classes around these topics. Also, I am offering lots of virtual classes as I heal from knee surgery and so that the people requesting to join can do so from wherever they are. Be sure to also check out the special sacral chakra class where we will learn all about our own center of creativity and the potential for growth. I also have two virtual chair yoga sessions—I can show you how I adapt my practice to my own body’s need for healing.
I would love to share space with you as we welcome in a new season.
xo.
Yoga
NOTICE A FEW CHANGES TO THE STUDIO!
Monday Evening at 5:15pmhas a couple openings as a couple regulars have had to change their schedule. Also, I will now be offeringMonday at 5:15pm (MDT) VIRTUALLY as a live streamed option. Now anyone can pop in from anywhere! If you would like a spot IN STUDIO please reach out to me below. Please note that there is NO class 3/13.
Another change to the studio classes is I am now requiring pre–payment for the classes you’d like to attend in person. The cost for each class with prepayment is $20 and drop in is $22 unless you are offered a waitlist spot the day of class. You can pay through Zelle, Venmo or cash.
Be sure to watch my website or follow my business page on Facebook for the latest.
SPECIAL CHAIR YOGA ONLINE
Did you know that there is some amazing benefits to chair yoga? And if you think that it is just for an older population, you are mistaken. There is actually a totally difference sensation and experience when practicing in a chair. Since I am having knee surgery this is a great time to give it a try with me!
Saturday March 18th at 1030am *will also be recorded
Monday March 20th at 1030am. *will also be recorded
Are you wanting to have access to a yoga or pilates practice at home that fits into your busy schedule? I offer chair yoga, sensation and intuition based guided gentle yoga, pilates and meditation without having to log in to a specific class time. All of my classes are offered at a donation. You can find ALL of my videos on my website! If you are struggling with developing a home practice, let’s talk. I would love to help you find a way to love practicing at home.
ESSENTIAL YOGA–ALIGNMENT (VIRTUAL)
This month’s online class on Alignment and includes the self-application of a variety of therapeutic grade pure essential oils throughout the practice. Please reach out to me if you need samples to fully enjoy this class. Donations are appreciated.
Wednesday March 22th at 6:30pmCost: $25, includes a sacral chakra blend
This beautiful second energy center governs our creativity, sensuality, sexuality, flow and movement. This chakra is all about going with the flow and fostering creativity–the perfect focus for springtime!. If you are feeling stuck, lacking creativity and need support flowing through life, this class is for you! Cost includes access to the online yoga class and discussion, a custom essential oil blend for the sacral chakra with gemstones, and a gemstone. All from the coziness of your own home. Once you register, you will receive an email from me to receive your goodies.
Have you been feeling like there is something that you are seeking but can’t quite put your finger on it? I am offering a modified version of the Daring Greatly course that I took with Brene Brown in 2016. This virtual class will focus on finding your deepest core value and how to step into it within your daily life. We will navigate this class over a two part series and it will include a special blend of essential oils that correlate to this teaching, gentle chair yoga, meditation and breathing exercises.
This two part series will be Friday March 24th and Friday March 31st at 10am (MDT).
Cost for the two sessions, meditations, and essential oil blend is $40
Are you looking for a way to jump start your health? Have you ever wanted to know some of my tips and tricks to living a positive life, losing weight, improving sleep and managing stress? How about a free wellness consultation to talk about your goals? Schedule yours today and let’s create a wellness plan! I offer FREE wellness consultations to talk about your goals and desire for a healthier, mind, body and spirit.
I am inspired to create and share with you some mindfully themed blends each month that I spend time thoughtfully crafting. This month’s blend is called OPTIMISM and is a delightful bright optimistic blend. This blend includes Tangerine, Bergamot, Joyful blend, Siberian Fir, Green Mandarin, Invigorating blend, Helichrysum Flower and Natural Citrine.
Flowers represent everything beautiful about springtime – and they also make pretty good teachers on how to live fully in any season. Here are ten inspiring thoughts from the mind of a daffodil, tulip, rose, or whichever bud you prefer!
1. Follow the sunlight. Do what makes you feel happy and warm.
2. Take your time. Bloom when you’re ready, no need to rush.
3. Be yourself. Wherever you are, bring your own spring with you.
4. Make friends. Surround yourself with those who care and support.
5. Smile bright. Spread your colors into the world.
6. Stand tall. Be proud of everything you do and achieve.
7. Stay grounded. Keep yourself connected – water your roots often.
8. Have faith. Know that the sun always emerges from the clouds.
9. Don’t mind bees. Even the bees are your friends. Do your thing, and let busybodies play their part.
10. Feel the rain. Open your pores and drink in every season.
About Stacie
Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.
With over twelve years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.
Stacie brings her personal life experience of raising a daughter with a disability and over 12 years working in special education to her everyday Yoga classes.
In addition to teaching classes at a variety of local centers and health clubs, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.
Do you know the most important part of a house? What about a tree?
Is it the big windows and fancy backyard? Is it the glorious leaves and fruit? Or is it the foundation and the roots?
What’s the most important part of YOU? I believe it isn’t the material gains, titles, how much you weigh, how fast you can run, the size of you bank account, the size of your home, how much weight you can lift, your boundaries or how smart your kids are.
What is it then?
It’s the depth of WHO you are and how you show up in the world. It’s your values that lead you down the path. It’s the beliefs you hold most dear to yourself. It’s the way you treat yourself and others.
Not sure what values make up your foundation or your roots? If you don’t know yourself that well, it’s likely your behaviors and choices aren’t aligning with your best self and you’re often struggling in relationships and in life. A few years ago I wrote my ten principlesthat guide my decisions. These values make up my tree roots that sustain me during trying times.
Truth.
Thanks for reading my #tedtalk of the day and reach out if your life can’t seem to withstand the storms. It’s likely you have a rotten root or a weak foundation wall.
It seems many people have opinions on other peoples business model, and the two most common statements I get as it relates to my yoga business is 1) I’d never drive that far for a class or student, and 2) I would never teach a class for that little of a rate (usually followed by a laundry list of all the trainings and education they have).
Here’s the thing. I’m not in it for the money, but the money is always there. I’m not in it for the fame although I am booked solid week after week and literally have no room in my schedule for more. I’m not in it for the ego, yet I know that I make an incredible difference in the lives of many.
Why do I drive hundreds of miles a day only to find my student still in bed because staff didn’t bother to wake him up? Because I said I would and because when he did decide to get up, together we created a beautiful session that included him doing something he hasn’t done in decades. This incredibly special student was injured at age 25 and his college roommate continues to write him a letter every single week and they are now in their mid 50’s. My student actually wrote him a letter back! Remember, yoga is defined as union and it doesn’t have to include pretzel shapes with our bodies.
I do it because it is service—which to me is defined as doing something without an attachment to personal gain. I do it because it is my gift. It is purpose. I do it because this is the manifesto my business and life is structured around.
The minute I start calculating how much money I am going to make, I have stepped out of service.
And do you want to know what? The money is always there.
I’d much rather show up within the foundation of my manifesto than seek out fame and fortune. That isn’t what I am about. I am about service and becoming the best version of myself through those I humbly serve.
“The confinement that I feel is only what I ALLOW myself to feel.”
I often say that I am putting all of the amazing nuggets of wisdom that come from my students with brain injuries into my future book. Who knows, maybe someday a future Ted Talk. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Year after year I am humbled at the insights that come from people living with brain injuries. I feel so strongly that they can teach the world so many things about truly living. Over the years I have kept a little notebook with some of the teachings that they bring to my life. It is common that I often pull inspiration from that notebook and share with others.
This one is a keeper.
I have been teaching from the theme of freedom this month. According to Webster’s dictionary,freedom is defined as having the ability to think, speak and act without hindrance or restraint. As we broke down each of those areas and shared the hinderances in our lives it is easy to see that everyone has certain hinderances or restraints that keep them from living fully free. For some, it is living without the ability to move their legs, or for others it is not being able to drive or work. Although I can drive and work, I have certain physical limitations and responsibilities that keep me from being fully free in my actions.
We then moved onto our ability to speak without hinderance or restraint and it was evident that while the idea of free speech exists, there is a limitation to what we can all say and not get into a little hot water, whether that it within our own home or in the community.
We finished our discussion with the realization that the only true place we have freedom is in our thoughts. It was decided that we are all free to think what we think. No matter what our challenges or our struggles are, it is ultimately what do with it through our mindset.
Here is the moment of ah-ha that has stayed in my heart for weeks. As we were closing up our discussion on living freedom, this was spoken:
“The confinement that I feel is only what I ALLOW myself to feel.”
Read that again.
The woman who said this is a student who lives in assisted living and occasionally comes down for yoga. Her body is riddled with pain so her practice is breathing and sharing. She is brave and wise.
She also lost her independence, her family, her ability to work and drive, and do things that feed her soul. And yet, she has the insight to see that despite all of her lack of freedoms, she can escape the cage with her thoughts. She is one of the most insightful and grateful people I have ever met.
To think that I am called the teacher. I disagree.
The truth is, I am a conduit for their wisdom. I get to be the messenger.
Freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
We have all heard of the metaphors of feeling stuck in a cage and not able to be free to fly, or the imprisoning walls that have been built around us. Sadly, it seems that the brick and mortar is often what we place around ourselves that create our own version of prison. This can include negativity, questions of worthiness, regrets of the past and worries of the future. Similarly the key to the cage that we so often feel trapped in resides in our own hands. It is our choice to stay in the cage or take the key and unlock it. No matter what circumstance we are in, we ultimately have choice in what we do with it.
There are a million examples of how we can feel stuck, trapped, locked in, or caged. Whether it is a relationship, a job, a location or a belief you have about yourself, freedom truly means that WE have the power to act, speak and think without restraint and hindrance.
We are in control of what we do with our circumstances. Certainly opening the cage door or tearing down the walls that give us a false sense of safety takes incredible courage and sometimes can be the scariest thing we ever do, but the payoff is much better than feeling closed in and stuck.
I hope through a practice of mindfulness and yoga, I can help others to see the freedom that is available through the spaciousness of our hearts and minds. This month we are going to chisel away the beliefs and fear that build a wall around ourselves. We are going to slip the key into the lock and learn to fly. We are going to feel free. Just as the little finch sits on a branch that perhaps has no insects or is not protective enough, she has the freedom to find a branch that is and we too can jump from a negative thought to a positive thought.
Consider what it would be to take a look at some hard questions and then prepare to take flight.
Do you feel imprisoned? Are you the one laying the bricks down and filling them with mortar? Do you hold the key in your hand and refuse to unlock the door?
One of my most treasured aspects of Yoga is how we go about with showing up for ourselves and others. True Yoga is often overlooked in our very physical posture based lens of Yoga. In the Western world it seems that Yoga is mostly asana and very little true Yoga.
What is true yoga?
True Yoga consists of the principles and attitudes known as the Sutras. The Sutras are a collection of text that guides us to live. Ahimsa (non-violence), the first and foremost of the five yamas(restraints) described in the Yoga Sutra, entreats us to live in such a way that we cause no harm in thought, speech, or action to any living being, including ourselves.
This is the essence of Pantajali’s non-harming Sutra known as Ahimsa.
Pausing to consider kindness (ahimsa) influences the choices you make and how you truly show up for yourself and for others. Ahimsa (pronounced “ah-heem-sah”) literally means “non-harming” or “non-violence” in Sanskrit. In it most basic level, it’s refraining from causing harm.
As we practice ahimsa in today’s modern life, there is more to this idea of non-harming than simply refraining from acts of physical violence.
We understand now that pain can be more than just physical – it can also be emotional and mental. The deepest pain we feel is often very emotional. It most often sprouts from our relationships with other human beings. It can be grief that we experience when we lose someone. Grief can also from a part of our life that meant so much to our identity. The loss of a relationship or a painful life change can bring about deep and soul-shattering pain.
When we practice ahimsa, we are thinking about how our actions could hurt others. Doing so invites us to take into consideration the potential physical, emotional, and relational consequences of our actions.
We pause to consider kindness.
Are you frustrated with the non-kind world that exists where division and opinions flood our everyday lives? The world feels sad at the lack of humanity and desperate need to be heard in what seems to be a constant “what about ME” mentality. There is exhaustion with the lack of kindness for fellow human beings.
Realizing that all we can do is change our own thoughts and actions, I am opting for kindness despite my own struggling emotions. Ahimsa is offered for the exhausted world. Together we must learn to pause, listen, see, feel and to give.
Kindness truly matters and it is the truest form of Yoga.
