opening into fullness

the other day I dedicated 90 minutes to an in depth practice. I decided on back bends. I was feeling a little wound up, a little cluttered, and thought some back bending could open my heart, provide a little clarity. It did. My favorite place to practice is my front porch, and the morning was cool, and the boys were at football practice. Chimes ring at just the right time, often moving with the rhythm of my breath. I set the intention that I would feel the energy of the pose, for each and every pose, and allow my breath to guide me into the "when" I had to move onto the next pose. Sometimes we get into habits. We stay on a pose for 5-6 breaths, and move on to the next pose. This time, I allowed my breath to rule, and it was like observing a beautiful sunrise exploding from within. As I tuned into my body, I would observe the line of energy expanding from my core, out into my limbs. It was amazing to know that our bodies are capable of so much, and how beautiful the practice of yoga is. As I continue on my journey of teaching and being a student of yoga, I never fail to keep asking questions to God, and myself. This practice, this art, inspires me, grounds me, and brings me closer to myself.

I will respond

What is the difference between responding and reacting? About 5 seconds, maybe 10. When I think of it that way, I realize that if I can remember to slow down, take in what I hear, what I feel, what I see, what I do, then I can better choose my way of responding. How hard this is to do! I feel though, that this is the way to enlightenment, to peace, to compassion, to love. If we all took 5-10 seconds to respond in tense situations, we might not say things that are hurtful, do things that may harm. This is a challenge for me, as I can react to many things that my 3 boys and in general life give to me. What I reflect on, is that my reactions, to whatever the situation, are teaching those around me my about my character. And for my boys, I am teaching them how to behave, and my reactions will make an impression on them. Getting angry or reacting is human nature. I don't try to be super human, or unnatural. I would like my mouth speak of love, my mind to focus on the present moment, and my heart to look for the beauty that lies within each person, and each situation. This being said, breathe, exhale, inhale wisdom, exhale, truth. Then speak, listen, respond, and for a tense moment, take the higher road. Our hearts expand, and grow as we do this. Remember the grinch? His heart grew three times its size busting out of the wire molding in his response to give back to the "Who's in Whoville"! Thinking of it that way, may bring a smile to our faces, as we continue on the path of love, kindness, and wisdom in the face of adversity and a sometimes harsh world. Peace to you, and good luck!

acceptance, growth, and expansion

When we struggle, we have to learn where we are holding, and breathe into the areas of restriction in our minds. We have to learn the balance of what to hold onto, and where to loosen up. How we create balance in our lives takes time, patience, and must also include struggles. How else does one learn except by making mistakes, saying the wrong thing, or acting in a way that is less than what we may expect of ourselves. We grow our minds by breathing into our bodies, harnessing our mind to our breath, and take ourselves into a journey of the inner life. When we realize that we are habitually holding our jaw, jamming our shoulders into our neck, or snapping at our loved ones without thinking, growth occurs. Awareness. Patience. Compassion. To ourselves, but also to others too. As I move through my life, I am learning that I can work full time, raise happy kids, have a good, great marriage, and pursue my 500 hour yoga teacher training certification! Huge commitments abound, but life is about acceptance, growth, and then expansion. Spread out, spread wide, the arms of courage, the arms of love. This is true yoga.