Today's Intention: Patience
Oh boy, this happens to be an intention I'd benefit from setting every single minute of every single day. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the most impatient human being roaming this earth!
I've learned that other limiting energies usually accompany impatience: lack of compassion, frustration, buried anger, inability to accept things as they are, the need to have control.
When I am conscious and patient, I become acutely aware of how liberated I feel. I become less critical, empathetic, understanding, accepting, and most important I relinquish control.
Patience is one of the most profound ways we can honor ourselves, and others.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Expand!
Today's Intention: Expand
I write this blog post from California. I drove all day yesterday down to Santa Monica to practice with Erich Schiffmann last night, then today I head down to Huntington Beach to enjoy quality time by the beach with a dear friend.
Last night I arrived at the yoga studio early. I was the first one there. There was a class ending, so I browsed in their boutique. As people started to arrive for Erich's class, I noticed I started to feel nervous. People made eye contact and smiled, and even though I mustered up a smile in return, inside I felt a very tangible sense of contraction.
I started to remember something I learned in Anusara Immersion, about how our energy extends 15 feet beyond our hearts. The energy I was exuding was most definitely closed and fearful, and sadly... this was not a shocking revelation.
Soon Erich arrived and, as expected, he delivered one of his famous embraces that envelop the recipient in love! We were standing near a group of his students. He greeted them and made some comment about me driving all day, a gesture to include me in the group. I contributed a few words, and then... before I knew it... I was walking away from this lovely collection of yogis, and away from my teacher! I just strolled away, to mindlessly and nervously look around the boutique at merchandise I could not afford and was not interested in! Inwardly, I was shrinking.
When we encounter new people, new situations, our insecurities have the potential to take over. Awareness and acceptance will lead to understanding of my tendency to pull away, to place distance between myself and others. Choosing to expand beyond my mind's conditioning, beyond the things I can control, will help me to put myself out there and take chances.
I write this blog post from California. I drove all day yesterday down to Santa Monica to practice with Erich Schiffmann last night, then today I head down to Huntington Beach to enjoy quality time by the beach with a dear friend.
Last night I arrived at the yoga studio early. I was the first one there. There was a class ending, so I browsed in their boutique. As people started to arrive for Erich's class, I noticed I started to feel nervous. People made eye contact and smiled, and even though I mustered up a smile in return, inside I felt a very tangible sense of contraction.
I started to remember something I learned in Anusara Immersion, about how our energy extends 15 feet beyond our hearts. The energy I was exuding was most definitely closed and fearful, and sadly... this was not a shocking revelation.
Soon Erich arrived and, as expected, he delivered one of his famous embraces that envelop the recipient in love! We were standing near a group of his students. He greeted them and made some comment about me driving all day, a gesture to include me in the group. I contributed a few words, and then... before I knew it... I was walking away from this lovely collection of yogis, and away from my teacher! I just strolled away, to mindlessly and nervously look around the boutique at merchandise I could not afford and was not interested in! Inwardly, I was shrinking.
When we encounter new people, new situations, our insecurities have the potential to take over. Awareness and acceptance will lead to understanding of my tendency to pull away, to place distance between myself and others. Choosing to expand beyond my mind's conditioning, beyond the things I can control, will help me to put myself out there and take chances.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
All you need is Love...
Today's Intention: Love
My first workshop with Erich Schiffmann, internationally known Yoga instructor, was in 2004 when he came to Phoenix to lead a weekend workshop. The first session of the workshop was only about 2 hours, but it was enough for me to know I had found my teacher. I remember the buzz I felt that night when I drove home, freshly exposed to so many new perspectives and ideas. I felt pure joy, excitement and hope. Of course I couldn't sleep, so I typed him an email letting him know how much I was gaining from the workshop already. Little did I know Schiffmann traveled with his laptop and checked emails often. When I awoke the next morning, bright, early and ready for a full day of yoga, I checked emails and found a warm, gracious reply from him.
That weekend stands out for me as one of the most important experiences of my life. In hindsight, I realize the impact was so great because the dominant energy Schiffmann exudes is Love.
It seems this word is often avoided in our culture. Perhaps a fear of vulnerability keeps us from admitting the basic need to feel the presence of love in our lives. The traits of love are so liberating, cleansing and healing. Today it is my intention to reflect on the quality of the love I give and receive. I will contemplate the ways I can call upon love to nurture various relationships and help me shift with certain obstacles.
Tomorrow evening I will find myself in Santa Monica, practicing Freedom Style Yoga with Erich Schiffmann. If I'm diving into accepting the essence of love, I can't think of a more appropriate pool to swim in!
My first workshop with Erich Schiffmann, internationally known Yoga instructor, was in 2004 when he came to Phoenix to lead a weekend workshop. The first session of the workshop was only about 2 hours, but it was enough for me to know I had found my teacher. I remember the buzz I felt that night when I drove home, freshly exposed to so many new perspectives and ideas. I felt pure joy, excitement and hope. Of course I couldn't sleep, so I typed him an email letting him know how much I was gaining from the workshop already. Little did I know Schiffmann traveled with his laptop and checked emails often. When I awoke the next morning, bright, early and ready for a full day of yoga, I checked emails and found a warm, gracious reply from him.
That weekend stands out for me as one of the most important experiences of my life. In hindsight, I realize the impact was so great because the dominant energy Schiffmann exudes is Love.
It seems this word is often avoided in our culture. Perhaps a fear of vulnerability keeps us from admitting the basic need to feel the presence of love in our lives. The traits of love are so liberating, cleansing and healing. Today it is my intention to reflect on the quality of the love I give and receive. I will contemplate the ways I can call upon love to nurture various relationships and help me shift with certain obstacles.
Tomorrow evening I will find myself in Santa Monica, practicing Freedom Style Yoga with Erich Schiffmann. If I'm diving into accepting the essence of love, I can't think of a more appropriate pool to swim in!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Get annihilated
Today's Intention: Expose myself to annihilation
There is a Buddhist saying: "Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us."
When I first read this, it seemed pretty intense and I wasn't sure I could relate to it. And then I softened, re-read it a few times, and WHAM! I got it.
Getting down to the essence of my true being, I need to go through many thick layers of muck. This pathway in can shed light on tendencies, walls, resistance which are so embedded they appear to define who I am. By identifying with these qualities, I remain cloaked. It is not about changing who I am, but simply tearing down the weak walls in order to re-build a more stable foundation.
There is a Buddhist saying: "Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us."
When I first read this, it seemed pretty intense and I wasn't sure I could relate to it. And then I softened, re-read it a few times, and WHAM! I got it.
Getting down to the essence of my true being, I need to go through many thick layers of muck. This pathway in can shed light on tendencies, walls, resistance which are so embedded they appear to define who I am. By identifying with these qualities, I remain cloaked. It is not about changing who I am, but simply tearing down the weak walls in order to re-build a more stable foundation.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Capiche? Comprende? Katalavenis? Understand?
Today's Intention: Seek first to Understand.
Since I began studying yoga consistently, my self awareness has truly increased. During those wonderful, albeit fleeting, phases when I am feeling particularly inspired and in alignment with Grace, I push myself to experiment with different perspectives, actions and practices which don't usually come naturally.
Right in the midst of conflict, I have tried shifting the way I usually operate and letting my intention become to truthfully understand all I can. It is through this exercise that I learn so much. One of my tendencies, when I am out of balance, is to focus too much of my energy on being understood. This creates barriers in communication. And when I reflect honestly, I can see its a sign of emotional immaturity, as well as a lack of self-trust and self-confidence. Only when I feel sure of who I am can I abandon the need for others to understand and validate me.
When there is conflict of any kind, to any degree, today I will seek first to understand the situation and the other person's perspective. I will remain conscious of my walls, of not being reactionary, and I will create space for more silence so that I can truly hear what is present.
Since I began studying yoga consistently, my self awareness has truly increased. During those wonderful, albeit fleeting, phases when I am feeling particularly inspired and in alignment with Grace, I push myself to experiment with different perspectives, actions and practices which don't usually come naturally.
Right in the midst of conflict, I have tried shifting the way I usually operate and letting my intention become to truthfully understand all I can. It is through this exercise that I learn so much. One of my tendencies, when I am out of balance, is to focus too much of my energy on being understood. This creates barriers in communication. And when I reflect honestly, I can see its a sign of emotional immaturity, as well as a lack of self-trust and self-confidence. Only when I feel sure of who I am can I abandon the need for others to understand and validate me.
When there is conflict of any kind, to any degree, today I will seek first to understand the situation and the other person's perspective. I will remain conscious of my walls, of not being reactionary, and I will create space for more silence so that I can truly hear what is present.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I can see clearly now...
Today's intention: Clarity
I hold this as today's intention and relate it to so many aspects of my life, from the practical, to the mental, emotional and spiritual levels. This week I consciously decided to clear the energy in my home. Taking stock, re-organizing, discarding. This type of shedding works in alignment with my deep need for inner clarity.
Over the past few days, involuntary stream-of-conscious thoughts of truth keep bubbling up. Its been pretty disarming, unprompted and cool! I attribute this shift to a few factors, one of which is this recent exercise of setting daily intentions. Moving into such mindfulness has allowed me to feel more conscious and deliberate. I have been able to identify what is/isn't working anymore.
Consider how the physical benefits our yoga practice, flexibility, strength, increased range of motion, cross over to the non physical self as well. We build flexibility in our minds, our perspectives... we build strength of our character and spirit... we increase our realm of existence and our limits. As these qualities grow us, we reach varying levels of clarity.
The next step is to cultivate trust and courage to act upon our clarity. But for now, I'm content with cleaning house, both literally and figuratively.
I hold this as today's intention and relate it to so many aspects of my life, from the practical, to the mental, emotional and spiritual levels. This week I consciously decided to clear the energy in my home. Taking stock, re-organizing, discarding. This type of shedding works in alignment with my deep need for inner clarity.
Over the past few days, involuntary stream-of-conscious thoughts of truth keep bubbling up. Its been pretty disarming, unprompted and cool! I attribute this shift to a few factors, one of which is this recent exercise of setting daily intentions. Moving into such mindfulness has allowed me to feel more conscious and deliberate. I have been able to identify what is/isn't working anymore.
Consider how the physical benefits our yoga practice, flexibility, strength, increased range of motion, cross over to the non physical self as well. We build flexibility in our minds, our perspectives... we build strength of our character and spirit... we increase our realm of existence and our limits. As these qualities grow us, we reach varying levels of clarity.
The next step is to cultivate trust and courage to act upon our clarity. But for now, I'm content with cleaning house, both literally and figuratively.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Humble Heart/Hart
Today's Intention: Humility
With all of the attention from wonderful friends and family on today's 40th birthday, my intention is to remain humble and modest.
My thesaurus is a secret love of mine; its a reference I use quite a lot. Searching synonyms for Humility, the ones which resonated most for me were lack of pride and lack of vanity.
We can be aware of our gifts, our blessings, our innate goodness and still remain humble. Celebrating milestones is important, but it is equally important that we stay reminded of our interconnectedness, our humanity. With a receptive and grateful heart I welcome the amazing celebratory vibes coming my way today!
With all of the attention from wonderful friends and family on today's 40th birthday, my intention is to remain humble and modest.
My thesaurus is a secret love of mine; its a reference I use quite a lot. Searching synonyms for Humility, the ones which resonated most for me were lack of pride and lack of vanity.
We can be aware of our gifts, our blessings, our innate goodness and still remain humble. Celebrating milestones is important, but it is equally important that we stay reminded of our interconnectedness, our humanity. With a receptive and grateful heart I welcome the amazing celebratory vibes coming my way today!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Full Capacity!
Today's Intention: Observe the fullness of my life!
This is the weekend of my 40th birthday, and I received a package today from my sister in law. She has been in "the club" (as the 40's are referred to) for a couple of years. Her card to me was beautiful, and offered the advice that I look back at where I was in my life when I turned 30. I was immediately flooded with memories. I lived in NY, had been married for only a few months, and was just beginning my career in healing arts as a massage therapist. I was embarking on a new chapter on my life back then, just as I am now.
The most poignant aspect of a birthday is the opportunity it offers us to look at our own lives with a perspective of celebration. In the study of Kashmir Shaivism, it is believed that the Divine chooses to be embodied as a means to experience joy. I embrace this philosophy and, especially at milestones such as a 40th birthday, can easily reflect on the depth of meaning I continue to feel in my life. I appreciate that my experiences, whether painful or joyful, have contributed equally to the fullness I now know.
I am blessed with a bright mind, big heart, excitement and passion for life. Surrounding me are brilliant, caring souls who have taught me and loved me well! Today I pause, with jubilant humility, at the fullness I have known in my life thus far, and I let it all in.
This is the weekend of my 40th birthday, and I received a package today from my sister in law. She has been in "the club" (as the 40's are referred to) for a couple of years. Her card to me was beautiful, and offered the advice that I look back at where I was in my life when I turned 30. I was immediately flooded with memories. I lived in NY, had been married for only a few months, and was just beginning my career in healing arts as a massage therapist. I was embarking on a new chapter on my life back then, just as I am now.
The most poignant aspect of a birthday is the opportunity it offers us to look at our own lives with a perspective of celebration. In the study of Kashmir Shaivism, it is believed that the Divine chooses to be embodied as a means to experience joy. I embrace this philosophy and, especially at milestones such as a 40th birthday, can easily reflect on the depth of meaning I continue to feel in my life. I appreciate that my experiences, whether painful or joyful, have contributed equally to the fullness I now know.
I am blessed with a bright mind, big heart, excitement and passion for life. Surrounding me are brilliant, caring souls who have taught me and loved me well! Today I pause, with jubilant humility, at the fullness I have known in my life thus far, and I let it all in.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Watch those Q's...
Today's Intention: Focus on Quality vs. Quantity
I awoke this morning feeling stressed about the state of disarray my house was in. A friend was coming over for breakfast and a massage, and I felt uneasy about opening my home. For a moment I had the notion that I would scramble like a madwoman to get the house clean to meet my standards, as well as get Sam ready for and dropped off to school. Then I consciously decided against the madness. Instead, I focused on the most important tasks at hand and accomplished them calmly.
The visit was relaxed and the conversation was real. During the massage, I felt completely present and in tune.
There are many lessons I can draw upon from this seemingly trivial episode. The one that supports my intention for today, though, is my conscious choice not to focus on how much I accomplish, but instead to focus on the quality of my day. Had I chosen to get my house in order in such a short amount of time, and rushed around in a frenzy, I probably would have had a short fuse with my son while we were getting ready for school. Had I frantically dusted and mopped before giving the massage, my body would probably feel taxed and depleted.
It is remarkably easy to get caught up in quantity-driven measurements of success. Even with this blog, I could get wrapped up in how many people are reading it, commenting, subscribing. When focus shifts to quantity, we all know the quality begins to suffer.
Authenticity is so important for a well lived life, and it can only be sincerely cultivated by giving special attention to the quality of our actions, choices, relationships. Today it was, and still is, my intention to gaze honestly at the balance I am creating between quality and quantity.
I awoke this morning feeling stressed about the state of disarray my house was in. A friend was coming over for breakfast and a massage, and I felt uneasy about opening my home. For a moment I had the notion that I would scramble like a madwoman to get the house clean to meet my standards, as well as get Sam ready for and dropped off to school. Then I consciously decided against the madness. Instead, I focused on the most important tasks at hand and accomplished them calmly.
The visit was relaxed and the conversation was real. During the massage, I felt completely present and in tune.
There are many lessons I can draw upon from this seemingly trivial episode. The one that supports my intention for today, though, is my conscious choice not to focus on how much I accomplish, but instead to focus on the quality of my day. Had I chosen to get my house in order in such a short amount of time, and rushed around in a frenzy, I probably would have had a short fuse with my son while we were getting ready for school. Had I frantically dusted and mopped before giving the massage, my body would probably feel taxed and depleted.
It is remarkably easy to get caught up in quantity-driven measurements of success. Even with this blog, I could get wrapped up in how many people are reading it, commenting, subscribing. When focus shifts to quantity, we all know the quality begins to suffer.
Authenticity is so important for a well lived life, and it can only be sincerely cultivated by giving special attention to the quality of our actions, choices, relationships. Today it was, and still is, my intention to gaze honestly at the balance I am creating between quality and quantity.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Shine on, you crazy diamond!
Today's Intention: See my light.
When teaching a workshop for new mothers a few years ago, I asked each participant to take 5 minutes to reflect and write about areas of their life they would like to focus on improving, or what qualities they would like to cultivate. Their heads immediately bowed toward their journals, and after the 5 minutes had passed, they were still writing.
The next exercise was to write about the qualities they appreciated about themselves, and hoped would influence their child. Many of the students sat there, looking around, seemingly uncomfortable, before they finally wrote... this time only for a minute or so.
This experience struck me, because I can relate. Given the chance, I can easily focus on the aspects of myself which I find challenging. When asked to consider my strengths, my gifts... I shy away or give some stock, standard answers which, at this point, have become practically rehearsed.
In my own personal spiritual belief system, our gifts are how the Divine expresses itself through us. I realized I was actually keeping myself quite small by not stepping into my brightness on a more frequent basis. When we dim our light, we perform a major disservice to ourselves, to those whose lives are closely interwoven with ours, and even beyond. Somewhere along the way we began to buy into the belief that keeping ourselves small is an act of humility. In actuality, when we ignore our natural talents and unique qualities, it is almost as if we are ignoring divinity itself. We become separate and lose consciousness of our interconnectedness with one another.
Today I step out of my shadows and into my light. I recognize that by embracing my capacities and abilities, I move more toward my own essence. The ripple effect teaches how I can then be more fully present and powerful for my child, husband, friends, students, and beyond.
When teaching a workshop for new mothers a few years ago, I asked each participant to take 5 minutes to reflect and write about areas of their life they would like to focus on improving, or what qualities they would like to cultivate. Their heads immediately bowed toward their journals, and after the 5 minutes had passed, they were still writing.
The next exercise was to write about the qualities they appreciated about themselves, and hoped would influence their child. Many of the students sat there, looking around, seemingly uncomfortable, before they finally wrote... this time only for a minute or so.
This experience struck me, because I can relate. Given the chance, I can easily focus on the aspects of myself which I find challenging. When asked to consider my strengths, my gifts... I shy away or give some stock, standard answers which, at this point, have become practically rehearsed.
In my own personal spiritual belief system, our gifts are how the Divine expresses itself through us. I realized I was actually keeping myself quite small by not stepping into my brightness on a more frequent basis. When we dim our light, we perform a major disservice to ourselves, to those whose lives are closely interwoven with ours, and even beyond. Somewhere along the way we began to buy into the belief that keeping ourselves small is an act of humility. In actuality, when we ignore our natural talents and unique qualities, it is almost as if we are ignoring divinity itself. We become separate and lose consciousness of our interconnectedness with one another.
Today I step out of my shadows and into my light. I recognize that by embracing my capacities and abilities, I move more toward my own essence. The ripple effect teaches how I can then be more fully present and powerful for my child, husband, friends, students, and beyond.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Wondrous.
Today's LATE Intention: Be amazed.
At 3am this morning I received a phone call from my doula client, saying she thought labor was underway. Soon after 5am I was by her side, supporting her through the labor process, and just shy of 1pm I witnessed the birth of her daughter.
In the early hours of the morning, as I was packing my bag and checking my list to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything, it actually dawned on me that I wouldn't be able to post today's intention in the morning hours of the day, like I had been since the launch of this blog. For a moment I was disappointed. I have been deeply enjoying this daily exercise of intention setting.
Fairly certain my clients wouldn't appreciate a detour for blog writing, I headed to the hospital. A couple of hours later, I realized that on this day my intention had found me. "Be amazed" were words that kept coming to me, without effort. So I allowed that amazement to wash over me.
We can find awe, wonder, magic and miracles every day, even in those moments less demanding of our attention than the birth of a child. It is up to me to look for it, and when I find it... to pause in humility.
At 3am this morning I received a phone call from my doula client, saying she thought labor was underway. Soon after 5am I was by her side, supporting her through the labor process, and just shy of 1pm I witnessed the birth of her daughter.
In the early hours of the morning, as I was packing my bag and checking my list to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything, it actually dawned on me that I wouldn't be able to post today's intention in the morning hours of the day, like I had been since the launch of this blog. For a moment I was disappointed. I have been deeply enjoying this daily exercise of intention setting.
Fairly certain my clients wouldn't appreciate a detour for blog writing, I headed to the hospital. A couple of hours later, I realized that on this day my intention had found me. "Be amazed" were words that kept coming to me, without effort. So I allowed that amazement to wash over me.
We can find awe, wonder, magic and miracles every day, even in those moments less demanding of our attention than the birth of a child. It is up to me to look for it, and when I find it... to pause in humility.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Imagine all the people...
Today's Intention: Be imaginative
Recently I have started an exercise with Sam, where he tells me a story and I type while he's talking, documenting his creative imagination at this tender age of 4. We have three wonderful stories down on paper, each so entertaining and unique!
Children don't confine themselves too tightly or limit their expression by always (or ever!) rigidly following the rules. Of course, as we grow into adults and mature, it is only natural that we must shed some of that whimsy. Perhaps, though, we have moved too far from our imaginative mind. When we restrict our ability to dream, visualize, envision... then we put a cap on how fully we can enjoy life.
Today I will watch my thoughts and my tendency to be on auto-pilot. Through the act of breathing, moving and listening, I hope to expand my life's potential through the great power of imagination.
Our thoughts mold our existence. See the gray, allow borders to expand, let some boundaries become blurry. A new possibility, idea, inspiration, solution or creative expression may arise.
Recently I have started an exercise with Sam, where he tells me a story and I type while he's talking, documenting his creative imagination at this tender age of 4. We have three wonderful stories down on paper, each so entertaining and unique!
Children don't confine themselves too tightly or limit their expression by always (or ever!) rigidly following the rules. Of course, as we grow into adults and mature, it is only natural that we must shed some of that whimsy. Perhaps, though, we have moved too far from our imaginative mind. When we restrict our ability to dream, visualize, envision... then we put a cap on how fully we can enjoy life.
Today I will watch my thoughts and my tendency to be on auto-pilot. Through the act of breathing, moving and listening, I hope to expand my life's potential through the great power of imagination.
Our thoughts mold our existence. See the gray, allow borders to expand, let some boundaries become blurry. A new possibility, idea, inspiration, solution or creative expression may arise.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Love the Prep!
Today's intention: Enjoy the Preparations
Our Sunday schedule allows for a little bit of everything... early morning family time, the opportunity to teach a yoga class, solo time for me to go to the gym, and then in the afternoon when Tom goes to work, Sam and I spend the day and night together, preparing for the week that lies ahead.
I have always loved the idea of planning ahead, though admittedly I'm not as good at it as I thought I was. I came to this realization last year, when I was working at a restaurant, teaching yoga and being a Mom. My Mondays were chaotic back then. Tom left for work before the sun came up, so it was my responsibility to get Sam to school early so that I could teach class, then dash down to the restaurant for a lunch shift, and finally rush back to school to pick him up... all by 2pm!
I'd spend Sundays getting things ready for the manic Monday that awaited us. I had such a bad attitude on those Sundays. I was so grumpy and, in hindsight, resentful. However, I always got everything done so that when Monday actually rolled around, things flowed with ease. Sam and I never had a problem making it where we needed to be, and my mood was always pleasant on those dreaded Mondays. It dawned on me that I was projecting all of this anxiety, fear and stress on the events of the future, instead of being present to the tasks at hand and doing them with focus and love. It struck me as kind of funny that I had done such a great job of being organized, yet my outlook was so bleak!
My Mondays are less busy now that I'm not at the restaurant, but Sundays are still a day of preparation around here. When I remind myself, I can actually greatly enjoy the whole process. Cooking for the week, cleaning, organizing, spending quality time with Sam and letting him be involved.... its all becoming a nice little ritual. All it takes is a shift in my perspective.
Since we can always find a metaphor that links a life lesson to our physical yoga practice, this reminds me of how important it is to be present to the preparations required for poses. Instead of focusing our energy on an advanced pose, it is best to spend the time fully committed to the preparations required. Build foundation, find correct alignment, listen very closely inwardly, and the time spent is quite fruitful.
Our Sunday schedule allows for a little bit of everything... early morning family time, the opportunity to teach a yoga class, solo time for me to go to the gym, and then in the afternoon when Tom goes to work, Sam and I spend the day and night together, preparing for the week that lies ahead.
I have always loved the idea of planning ahead, though admittedly I'm not as good at it as I thought I was. I came to this realization last year, when I was working at a restaurant, teaching yoga and being a Mom. My Mondays were chaotic back then. Tom left for work before the sun came up, so it was my responsibility to get Sam to school early so that I could teach class, then dash down to the restaurant for a lunch shift, and finally rush back to school to pick him up... all by 2pm!
I'd spend Sundays getting things ready for the manic Monday that awaited us. I had such a bad attitude on those Sundays. I was so grumpy and, in hindsight, resentful. However, I always got everything done so that when Monday actually rolled around, things flowed with ease. Sam and I never had a problem making it where we needed to be, and my mood was always pleasant on those dreaded Mondays. It dawned on me that I was projecting all of this anxiety, fear and stress on the events of the future, instead of being present to the tasks at hand and doing them with focus and love. It struck me as kind of funny that I had done such a great job of being organized, yet my outlook was so bleak!
My Mondays are less busy now that I'm not at the restaurant, but Sundays are still a day of preparation around here. When I remind myself, I can actually greatly enjoy the whole process. Cooking for the week, cleaning, organizing, spending quality time with Sam and letting him be involved.... its all becoming a nice little ritual. All it takes is a shift in my perspective.
Since we can always find a metaphor that links a life lesson to our physical yoga practice, this reminds me of how important it is to be present to the preparations required for poses. Instead of focusing our energy on an advanced pose, it is best to spend the time fully committed to the preparations required. Build foundation, find correct alignment, listen very closely inwardly, and the time spent is quite fruitful.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
May the Force NOT be with Me.
Today's Intention: Don't force anything.
Sometimes we miss out on all the signs, lessons and cues that life offers us, by forcing our way through. Today I will be present to exactly what IS. I will look for the opportunities that present themselves with ease. That doesn't mean no effort is involved ~ just no FORCE. We are co-creators in our lives, after all. Its up to me to manifest and work in harmony with the Universe. Then comes the point when I must trust and let go, just notice where I am led.
These daily intentions are most often applied to the most mundane decisions and choices throughout the day. This practice, however, prepares us for when its time to face a more significant fork in the road.
Sometimes we miss out on all the signs, lessons and cues that life offers us, by forcing our way through. Today I will be present to exactly what IS. I will look for the opportunities that present themselves with ease. That doesn't mean no effort is involved ~ just no FORCE. We are co-creators in our lives, after all. Its up to me to manifest and work in harmony with the Universe. Then comes the point when I must trust and let go, just notice where I am led.
These daily intentions are most often applied to the most mundane decisions and choices throughout the day. This practice, however, prepares us for when its time to face a more significant fork in the road.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Sweet Child 'O Mine
Today's Intention: Childlike acceptance, Adult maturity.
I am about to spend my morning with approximately 16 preschoolers. Today is my day to participate at the co-op Sam attends. My original intention today was going to be patience, as I found that to be quite fitting when spending a day with children. But it all shifted as I started to think about non-dualism, a concept I am learning and trying to fully understand and integrate.
Culturally, we use the descriptions right/wrong, good/bad, like/dislike, failure/success, positive/negative so frequently, it is astounding. Don't believe me? Notice today, internally or externally, how often you hear these measurement applied. Some years back I attended Marshall Rosenberg's workshop on Non-Violent Communication. It was such an eye-opening journey into the nature of our culture to define things in these terms.
If we choose to, we can learn so much from watching children and from understanding their way of expressing their humanity. They do not live in a world of right and wrong until they are taught to. Their behavior has a single purpose: to meet their emotional needs. It is such an honest and pure way to function. Refraining from measuring our lives from a dualistic perspective, we can mature and assume a sense of personal responsibility for our needs. Moving out of childhood expressions, we develop the skills to meet these needs without harming others, with a deep understanding our interconnectedness, and with less self-serving intentions.
I am about to spend my morning with approximately 16 preschoolers. Today is my day to participate at the co-op Sam attends. My original intention today was going to be patience, as I found that to be quite fitting when spending a day with children. But it all shifted as I started to think about non-dualism, a concept I am learning and trying to fully understand and integrate.
Culturally, we use the descriptions right/wrong, good/bad, like/dislike, failure/success, positive/negative so frequently, it is astounding. Don't believe me? Notice today, internally or externally, how often you hear these measurement applied. Some years back I attended Marshall Rosenberg's workshop on Non-Violent Communication. It was such an eye-opening journey into the nature of our culture to define things in these terms.
If we choose to, we can learn so much from watching children and from understanding their way of expressing their humanity. They do not live in a world of right and wrong until they are taught to. Their behavior has a single purpose: to meet their emotional needs. It is such an honest and pure way to function. Refraining from measuring our lives from a dualistic perspective, we can mature and assume a sense of personal responsibility for our needs. Moving out of childhood expressions, we develop the skills to meet these needs without harming others, with a deep understanding our interconnectedness, and with less self-serving intentions.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Excuse me?
Today's intention: Abandon the excuses that limit me.
Some years back, before we had bought our first house, a trusted close friend said something that has stuck with me. We were socializing with him and his wife, and offering dozens of reasons why we were hesitating on buying a home. He looked right at us and told us we suffer from 'paralysis by analysis'. This observation stumped me. I had no reply. That's what happens when we hear the truth... defensive walls crumble and we see ourselves clearly.
I'm sure you have figured out by now that I'm talking about far more than my attitude toward home ownership. This realization was so profound because I knew it to be a pattern of mine. Aside from the tendency to over-think and over-discuss, I end up finding many excuses to support my inaction.
I'm not being hard on myself. I understand we are not always ready to make certain changes, and the process is just the process and we can't be rushed. Without judgment, though, I can see that these excuses are just ways I avoid taking certain risks, moving through to other levels of my development, and I unconsciously opt to stay right where I am.
Anusara Yoga teaches us about the 3 A's: Attitude, Alignment and Action. The sophistication of the sequencing of Yoga principles always impresses me. Notice how Action is last. After we cultivate Life-Affirming Attitude, create our Alignment... it is then time to take Action. It is not last because it is less important than the others. Our actions can only take root and grow to serve life positively when they have been rooted in the first two principles.
So today I will notice the frequency of excuses, and the underlying reason for them, and see what I'm prepared to let go of.
Maybe I'll finally get my home office organized. I'll keep you posted.
Some years back, before we had bought our first house, a trusted close friend said something that has stuck with me. We were socializing with him and his wife, and offering dozens of reasons why we were hesitating on buying a home. He looked right at us and told us we suffer from 'paralysis by analysis'. This observation stumped me. I had no reply. That's what happens when we hear the truth... defensive walls crumble and we see ourselves clearly.
I'm sure you have figured out by now that I'm talking about far more than my attitude toward home ownership. This realization was so profound because I knew it to be a pattern of mine. Aside from the tendency to over-think and over-discuss, I end up finding many excuses to support my inaction.
I'm not being hard on myself. I understand we are not always ready to make certain changes, and the process is just the process and we can't be rushed. Without judgment, though, I can see that these excuses are just ways I avoid taking certain risks, moving through to other levels of my development, and I unconsciously opt to stay right where I am.
Anusara Yoga teaches us about the 3 A's: Attitude, Alignment and Action. The sophistication of the sequencing of Yoga principles always impresses me. Notice how Action is last. After we cultivate Life-Affirming Attitude, create our Alignment... it is then time to take Action. It is not last because it is less important than the others. Our actions can only take root and grow to serve life positively when they have been rooted in the first two principles.
So today I will notice the frequency of excuses, and the underlying reason for them, and see what I'm prepared to let go of.
Maybe I'll finally get my home office organized. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Take the Best, Leave the Rest
Today's Intention: Assume the Best
I'll be brief today. I woke feeling light. I think this intention-setting is already beginning to shift things for me!
Today's intention is to assume the best in all situations, and of all people, first. I will look for the common ground, the similarities between us. With problematic circumstances, I will see the opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
I intentionally emphasize seeing these qualities first, because I am rooted in truth and am aware that I will not always face people's best intentions, or the best case scenarios. However, this exercise is not about controlling outcomes or behaviors outside of myself. This intention is to help my mind move closer toward the positive qualities in life.
I'll be brief today. I woke feeling light. I think this intention-setting is already beginning to shift things for me!
Today's intention is to assume the best in all situations, and of all people, first. I will look for the common ground, the similarities between us. With problematic circumstances, I will see the opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
I intentionally emphasize seeing these qualities first, because I am rooted in truth and am aware that I will not always face people's best intentions, or the best case scenarios. However, this exercise is not about controlling outcomes or behaviors outside of myself. This intention is to help my mind move closer toward the positive qualities in life.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Going In
Today's Intention: Draw my attention inward.
There is so much available to experience in this world. People, places, activities, classes, natural wonders.... life is truly rich.
In Anusara Yoga, the second of the five foundational principles of the practice is Muscular Energy. It is such an important piece, that it comes only after Opening to Grace. After we consciously connect to our own unique spirituality (Opening to Grace), we then begin to draw in... on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
When I first learned this principle it was like a hovering brick came crashing down on my head. Honestly, this was such a profound moment in my life that I remember it quite clearly. I was a new Yoga instructor at the time and was beginning my own deeper work with my personal practice. Meg Byerlein, my teacher, probably presented this information to me hundreds upon hundreds of times before, but it was in one defining moment that I just really heard her and understood.
Taking a breath and opening up to our spirituality is such an amazing spring board, such an incredibly pure place to begin. However, without the follow up of moving inside of ourselves, to experience our inner workings truthfully... our growth becomes stunted. When we gaze inward, with compassionate, accepting and loving eyes, we begin to see our stuff. We simply experience ourselves, without any striving or need to change.
I guess the reason this principle blew my mind is because I rarely practiced it in my life. I remember as a young adult, uttering the words "going out" millions of times per year.
"Mom, I'm going out."
"What are you doing tonight... want to go out?"
Organic Energy, or is the last of the five principles... and it means to extend from your center outward. It is equally important as going in, however placing this principle in the lead keeps us disconnected from ourselves. In hindsight, I realize I was scared of what I would find in there. What mess awaits me? As a result of not developing any kind of habitual inward reflection, I lived exclusively outside of myself.
The most mind blowing realization came when it hit me that I wasn't fully experiencing all of the joy & wonder the world had to offer. Even though I lived in this outer realm, I couldn't fully connect to it all. The relationships, jobs, travels, adventures... I was truly limiting my experiences by avoiding the act of looking inside first.
"Mom, I'm going in."
There is so much available to experience in this world. People, places, activities, classes, natural wonders.... life is truly rich.
In Anusara Yoga, the second of the five foundational principles of the practice is Muscular Energy. It is such an important piece, that it comes only after Opening to Grace. After we consciously connect to our own unique spirituality (Opening to Grace), we then begin to draw in... on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
When I first learned this principle it was like a hovering brick came crashing down on my head. Honestly, this was such a profound moment in my life that I remember it quite clearly. I was a new Yoga instructor at the time and was beginning my own deeper work with my personal practice. Meg Byerlein, my teacher, probably presented this information to me hundreds upon hundreds of times before, but it was in one defining moment that I just really heard her and understood.
Taking a breath and opening up to our spirituality is such an amazing spring board, such an incredibly pure place to begin. However, without the follow up of moving inside of ourselves, to experience our inner workings truthfully... our growth becomes stunted. When we gaze inward, with compassionate, accepting and loving eyes, we begin to see our stuff. We simply experience ourselves, without any striving or need to change.
I guess the reason this principle blew my mind is because I rarely practiced it in my life. I remember as a young adult, uttering the words "going out" millions of times per year.
"Mom, I'm going out."
"What are you doing tonight... want to go out?"
Organic Energy, or is the last of the five principles... and it means to extend from your center outward. It is equally important as going in, however placing this principle in the lead keeps us disconnected from ourselves. In hindsight, I realize I was scared of what I would find in there. What mess awaits me? As a result of not developing any kind of habitual inward reflection, I lived exclusively outside of myself.
The most mind blowing realization came when it hit me that I wasn't fully experiencing all of the joy & wonder the world had to offer. Even though I lived in this outer realm, I couldn't fully connect to it all. The relationships, jobs, travels, adventures... I was truly limiting my experiences by avoiding the act of looking inside first.
"Mom, I'm going in."
Monday, January 4, 2010
Find the Middle
Today's Intention: Find the middle.
I have this tendency... perhaps you can relate... to naturally swing too far to one side or the other. Today my intention is to find, and experience, the middle.
Balanced Action is an important principle of Yoga. It teaches the art of meeting one quality with its opposite, so that we may experience true balance. The most obvious example shows up in a yoga pose, when a practitioner might exert force only, instead of equal parts surrender. In contrast, in some poses a student may be expressing softness only and needs to engage more power, fire.
Left unchecked, my mind can gravitate toward extreme likes/dislikes. This breeds a deep dualistic approach to life, which philosophically does not align for me anymore. Dualism sets a tone for labels, for right/wrong thinking. In that realm of existence, I feel extremely limited. When I reflect honestly, I discover this is the true source of much of my pain and suffering.
Whenever I step into the middle, where I can equally experience opposing energies, I feel whole and centered. I find myself more ready to understand myself, and others around me, when I'm grounded in this place of midline. This doesn't feel like complacency or apathy. Instead I feel finely connected to the essence of Life. This practice invites me to let go of the need to be right or to place blame, and instead gives me the gift of truthfully experiencing the present moment.
I have this tendency... perhaps you can relate... to naturally swing too far to one side or the other. Today my intention is to find, and experience, the middle.
Balanced Action is an important principle of Yoga. It teaches the art of meeting one quality with its opposite, so that we may experience true balance. The most obvious example shows up in a yoga pose, when a practitioner might exert force only, instead of equal parts surrender. In contrast, in some poses a student may be expressing softness only and needs to engage more power, fire.
Left unchecked, my mind can gravitate toward extreme likes/dislikes. This breeds a deep dualistic approach to life, which philosophically does not align for me anymore. Dualism sets a tone for labels, for right/wrong thinking. In that realm of existence, I feel extremely limited. When I reflect honestly, I discover this is the true source of much of my pain and suffering.
Whenever I step into the middle, where I can equally experience opposing energies, I feel whole and centered. I find myself more ready to understand myself, and others around me, when I'm grounded in this place of midline. This doesn't feel like complacency or apathy. Instead I feel finely connected to the essence of Life. This practice invites me to let go of the need to be right or to place blame, and instead gives me the gift of truthfully experiencing the present moment.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Mind, Act in Service to my Heart
Today's Intention: Let my mind work in ways that serves my heart.
What a doozie! I'm starting this blog off with a bang! This has been an intention I have revisited time and time again. Guess that means I really need it, eh?
My life experience coupled with my study of Yoga philosophy has taught me so much about the ways of the human mind and its conditioning. What I have come to realize is that the mind is best utilized and most effective when it is serving the heart's purpose. I do not view the mind as something to overcome. Conquering my thoughts is not my goal. Instead, the thoughts I involuntarily participate in are a window into the programming & wiring of my unique mind. There are stories I have been telling myself for my whole life which are either completely false or, at the very least, limiting my potential. Those thoughts and ideas dominate when we don't seek the guidance of our heart, whose power can not only override the mind's, but can actually begin to re-wire negative thoughts and shift our lives completely.
The heart has boundless capacity for joy. Authentic wisdom lies in the heart, not in the limited mind. If I am in exclusive counsel with my heart before making decisions, I am less reactionary and can consciously choose not to act upon the mind's limited perspective. When I pause long enough to hear what lies in my heart's message, I can move more gracefully forward with whatever choice, action, conversation or commitment I am facing.
Today I will practice this intention in all areas of my life, from the mundane to the more profound. For me, one of the most powerful benefits of setting an intention is the insight I gain into how I operate. Simply observing, without judgment, the way I automatically move through life provides me with invaluable information into the work that is present for me in this very moment.
Finally, I share in inquiry which I have recently been invoking with all matters, on a regular basis. It seems to fit today's intention quite nicely: "Is this life affirming or life depleting?"
What a doozie! I'm starting this blog off with a bang! This has been an intention I have revisited time and time again. Guess that means I really need it, eh?
My life experience coupled with my study of Yoga philosophy has taught me so much about the ways of the human mind and its conditioning. What I have come to realize is that the mind is best utilized and most effective when it is serving the heart's purpose. I do not view the mind as something to overcome. Conquering my thoughts is not my goal. Instead, the thoughts I involuntarily participate in are a window into the programming & wiring of my unique mind. There are stories I have been telling myself for my whole life which are either completely false or, at the very least, limiting my potential. Those thoughts and ideas dominate when we don't seek the guidance of our heart, whose power can not only override the mind's, but can actually begin to re-wire negative thoughts and shift our lives completely.
The heart has boundless capacity for joy. Authentic wisdom lies in the heart, not in the limited mind. If I am in exclusive counsel with my heart before making decisions, I am less reactionary and can consciously choose not to act upon the mind's limited perspective. When I pause long enough to hear what lies in my heart's message, I can move more gracefully forward with whatever choice, action, conversation or commitment I am facing.
Today I will practice this intention in all areas of my life, from the mundane to the more profound. For me, one of the most powerful benefits of setting an intention is the insight I gain into how I operate. Simply observing, without judgment, the way I automatically move through life provides me with invaluable information into the work that is present for me in this very moment.
Finally, I share in inquiry which I have recently been invoking with all matters, on a regular basis. It seems to fit today's intention quite nicely: "Is this life affirming or life depleting?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)