Experiencing Grace

Hello Friends and Fellow Yogis,

It is hard to believe we are once again nearing the completion of our annual trip around the sun. I’m not sure that 2021 has been any easier than our 2020 trip but I can say with extreme certainty that this trip has taught me many lessons. 

As I pause and continue to gaze back at the path that was this last calander year I am humbled by your grace and tenderness. I have bore witness to emotional upheaval, life altering tragedies, extreme generosity, and undeniable strength. You, my tribe, my dear ones have faced so much and I stand again and again humbled by your ability to rise up in your individual strength but also in support of each other. You inspire me and your dedication to love both inward and outward ignites my inner fire to keep placing one foot in front of the other and strengthens my undying belief in the beauty of humanity. 

Beginning to turn towards the unknown of 2022 I invite you to take sometime and set an intention for the coming year or even just this season.

To do this I recommend finding a sweet spot that is conducive to honest inquiry where you feel safe so energy can flow freely. 

Gather materials that are supportive of your intention process. These could be crystals, photographs, flowers, sage, a notebook, blanket, cushion or anything that helps you feel nested and settled.

Create a comfortable seat or lying position.

Breath 4 counts in 8 counts out or as close as you can get without feeling physically or mentally grippy. 

After a few minutes breathing like this and a brief pause at the top of the inhale or the bottom of the exhale. Be open to either and explore the one that feels pregnant with possibilities. 

Pose a question or statement to your inner self or soul. Like “ I am open to receiving wisdom and truth that aligns my spirit and ego for my highest good.”

Listen.

Sit with your answer.

Write it down. If it feels incomplete or off repeat the practice the next time you sit.

I am choosing to set the intention to trust and rest in the belief that what is meant for me will continue to unfold. I remain open to receiving messages and willing to do the work in service of my souls highest truth. I trust in the energies beyond my physical knowing to guide and protect me as I continue to dedicate myself not to any predetermine outcome or metric but to my becoming. 

As we walk our own paths side by side, I trust that through the sacred relationships we share by being in service to this practice of connectivity we will all expand in our grace, in our physical manifestations and what we carry deep within.

All My Love - Sarah

Where Do We Go From Here?

Hey There.

First I just want to say how thankful I am for this community. These last few months have been so strange in so many ways. I, like many of you often find myself wondering how is this happening, is this even real? You know what the yogi in me silently whispers back? "it's not real", this is the practice. Knowing your true center, the space within you that never changes, that sweet soul spot - that is what is real.

So here we are, realness contained in different forms of humaness, experiencing a pandemic, coupled with lack of leadership and a racial equality movement. ALL AT ONCE. As a yogi, tree hugger and egalitarian I find myself swaying between feeling like the all accepting yogi who believes that everything which is real will be revealed and that of an infuriated citizen, confused and curious how I can help. I am going to tell you now that there is no right way to feel this. But I am going to ask that you do feel this. We come to this peaceful practice of yoga and learn it levels everything. There is no one of more value than the next. There is no right, there is no wrong, it all simply "is", all of us are connected through our energy. I call this energy my soul or the divine that resides within me.

We are all made up of the same stuff (matter and energy) and we all come into this world with a purpose. This purpose gets clouded by our samskaras. These are mental impressions or memories that our soul knows even though sometimes our minds cannot remember. Samskaras are interesting because they can layer this life with our generational understanding and our souls life.

Just like you share a family history and DNA with your genetic family you also carry the scars of that history in your cells for multiple generations, which means you hold their traumas in your cells. Crazy, right? In yoga many of us are open to the idea of past lives, this makes sense to me since energy cannot be created or destroyed. So you also carry the scars of your previous lives. These are the traumas and karmic ripples in your energy. Considering samskaras in this way you now are having to untangle the knowing of your soul and the knowing on a cellular level without the help of your thinking mind. This is why I want you in your body and I want you to feel. I want you to feel and reckon with your human heritage. I want you to dive down into the depths of your soul and reckon with your karma.

Begin in this moment and trace your mind through every time you were privileged, silenced or challenged, every interaction, every feeling, none is too small or invalid. How does your body react? What do you feel? Listen to that. Feel that. That is the deep awareness held in your DNA, it is a part of your genetic story. Now turn towards your soul energy. The best place to hear in this space is through meditation. Give yourself permission to go to all the improbable places, all genders, all races, all roles as you understand them. Just feel and listen, then notice. When we tune into these deeper levels of our experience we open up to things about ourselves we would have never know. It is uncomfortable at first but the more you sink in the more you learn about yourself the easier it becomes.

Take time to spend these next few weeks or months uncovering, feel out those samskaras and the messages that are held within. Move closer to what you know is true and right and allow that to guide you. Give yourself the gift of waking up. This world will thank you for it.

“WAITING

You keep waiting for something to happen,
the thing that lifts you out of yourself,

catapults you into doing all the things you’ve put off
the great things you’re meant to do in your life,

but somehow never quite get to.
You keep waiting for the planets to shift

the new moon to bring news,
the universe to align, something to give.

Meanwhile, the piles of papers, the laundry, the dishes, the job —
it all stacks up while you keep hoping

for some miracle to blast down upon you,
scattering the piles to the winds.

Sometimes you lie in bed, terrified of your life.
Sometimes you laugh at the privilege of waking.

But all the while, life goes on in its messy way.
And then you turn forty. Or fifty. Or sixty. . .

and some part of you realizes you are not alone
and you find signs of this in the animal kingdom —

when a snake sheds its skin its eyes glaze over,
it slinks under a rock, not wanting to be touched,

and when caterpillar turns to butterfly
if the pupa is brushed, it will die —

and when the bird taps its beak hungrily against the egg
it’s because the thing is too small, too small,

and it needs to break out.
And midlife walks you into that wisdom

that this is what transformation looks like —
the mess of it, the tapping at the walls of your life,

the yearning and writhing and pushing, until one day, one day

you emerge from the wreck
embracing both the immense dawn

and the dusk of the body,
glistening, beautiful

just as you are”

— -Leza Lowitz

Creating a Space of Calm

We have each found ourselves in an experience that is unlike anything we have experienced in modern times.  The information that is continuously streaming into our consciousness is having an impact.  Yes, we are gaining what is believed to be the most comprehensive facts in real time about the spread of this contagion.  But if you are participating in social media you are probably receiving a constant stream of mixed fear, blame and hope surrounding this event.  No matter how positive the spin you may be observing is, like the neighbors singing to each other or children visiting elderly loved ones on opposite sides of the glass.  They still have the underpinning of this "unsafe" reality.  I don't want to be mistaken here.  Seeing people rise up together is truly a miracle that our society needs desperately.  This being said,  Our nervous systems are very much so hijacked by this fear of the unknowing.  I encourage you to yes, heed the calls to stay in and to take protective measures and to call those you love.  But outside of staying informed I invite you to turn of the T.V. and replace this fear feed with one of loving kindness.  Practice mindfulness, here are some simple techniques you can observe on your own

• Loving Kindness Meditation 

• Breath Focus (Inhale:Exhale, 1:2, 1:1)

• Mantra

• Object Focused Meditation

• Movement Based Meditation (yoga/ tai chi)

As always if you feel you need any assistance please reach out and I will happily help you.  It does not matter to me if you come to my classes, or how well I know you.  What matters is that you may need assistance and if you feel you can trust me I will do my best to listen and be of service.   As these times are so unique I have included my cell # 630-272-4160 so you can reach out if you are called to to do so.  If you are interested in a  facebook live meditation respond to this email and if a few of you want it I'll post on both FB and Insta with the necessary information regarding time and place.

Please Be Well and know you are in my meditations and daily wishes. 

Becoming Vulnerable

I’ve been working with vulnerability since the new year.  It may appear that this is a resolution or intention spurred by the change in the calendar year.  Oddly enough that is not the case.  In fact I have begun to notice that the real work of growth (which is the word I intentionally chose for 2020) always shows up when I’m least expecting it.  This is how vulnerability came to land on my radar and how it’s sovereign practice has left me forever changed.

I had experienced several encounters that had me feeling transparent. Encounters with family and friends both old and new.  Initially I found myself trying to dismiss these stirrings until I found myself situated in a circle of strong intuitive women.  These women are each their own unique blend of light workers, intuitives, mothers, sisters and spaceholders.  I sat in this circle knowing I could spout something on my surface, which I fully contemplated.  I also knew these women would not challenge whatever I chose to share, they would hold space for me as long as I needed. However I new they would see straight through that veil.  In this safe space and in that scary, uncomfortable yet fully liberating moment I chose to give in.  I gave in to the grip of my insecurities, I chose to give in to my vulnerability.  As I shared my wishes and needs I found myself streaming tears.  Tears of gratitude, tears of joy and relief for I had finally given in to the supreme desire to be seen.  I cried out the fear that had kept me small, that had kept me cramped up behind thick walls constructed of self limiting beliefs.  in that blissfully awkward moment I chose to fully step forward to be seen. With all of myself sitting in the light.  This light of the divine and the light that is embodied within each of my sisters and my brothers. I released my grip, initially I expected to free fall but instead I have come to know the sensation of soaring.  My lift being creating by the blessings and the trust in knowing this tribe, this family of light and sentient beings has become my air current my enduring support.

To each of you, in your heart you know that I am truly speaking to you.  Your light, your love, support, encouragement and kindness is by far the best gift I could receive.  When I stepped onto this path of teaching yoga and it’s practices I never could have conceived of the supreme gifts of divine friendship that would be offered to me.  Of course within my wisdom I knew I would receive what I chose to give.  But what is being currently reflected back at me has me streaming tears of gratitude once again.

Forever and always you will live in my heart.

Full Circle

As we near the closing of not only this year but also the closing of this decade, I find myself steeped in observation and dreams for the future.  These dreams that are driving my soul into my work and continuously give me strength to stand freely in my power.  I, like many of you, am in that space of reviewing what has happened and what I am working towards as I consider this decade.  As I recall my own history over the last decade one word, an experience really, stands out: Growth.  It is humbling to recall the subtle shifts that have taken place over each day of the last 10 years which have slowly evolved into this massive transformation in my own personal timeline.  These individual moments have informed and shaped this experience of growth and continues to do so.  As I approach this new decade, this new opportunity for the slow transformation of becoming, I choose to remain open to what is being revealed to me.  I choose to accept the gifts of this community and to share my gifts freely with each of you. I am dedicated to holding space for your transformation and your own revelations of your strengths and your power.  As we all step into this next decade together I encourage you each to observe your own history with gratitude and compassion, knowing this moment is only possible because of the moments you have been lived.

Please know I treasure and hold each of you in my circle of love and compassion.  I dedicate my prayers, meditations and wishes to each of you in service of your own becoming, and knowing your right to choose to live in the beauty of your light and honor your path.

Inward Turn

Ahh... how I enjoy the warmth of the autumn day sandwiched by the cool crisp morning and evening air.  This season simply beckons for a softening, a slowing down and the sipping of a warm beverage, and not it's not a pumpkin spice anything (we'll get to that later)!
 

Nature is my biggest teacher and most supportive guide.  I can always rely on her divine intuition to influence my daily life.  Following her wisdom I am spending more time considering me and my current needs.  This work is never easy for me, or at least has yet to be.  I find I have a deeply rooted need to be giving, which by the way I absolutely love doing!  But, I also know if I don't take pause and gather my energy and direct it with clear purpose I will eventually fatigue.  I have recently been returning to this poem as I consider my own becoming and continuing the process of  getting to know me. 

GOLDEN MILK LATTE

1 cupful of your choice milk and transfer to saucepan
warm do not boil, add in your spices
+1 tablespoon of turmeric & 1 teaspoon of ginger
sweetener of your choice to taste
whisk until bubbly or just put it all in your blender
add ins - cinnamon | cardamom | lions mane | reishi

The Art of Receiving

Those of you who have been joining me on the mat lately may have noticed that the focus of our time together is often centered around the facets of receiving. I have found that this intention has been incredibly useful and equally challenging for my own self discovery and growth. Like so many who utilize this practice of yoga and mindfulness we find that our hearts become full and generous, with deep desires to serve those in and around our tribes. We may provide an ear to listen, food to eat, or an energetic gift of compassion and peace that may stretch to the corners of our country's boundaries and beyond. The other side of giving is often overlooked but is an equally important practice; the practice of receiving. This act is just as heartful as giving, but the practice of receiving with humility is often more challenging for us. This challenge is what brings me back to this topic over and over again. Let us take a look at why this foundational and communal experience is so valuable.

It is so easy to find information on how to give and the multitude of benefits that accompany that practice. When we give, our bodies release dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These chemicals act as positive reinforcements to encourage us to continue to give because it balances our mood, thus creating a happier mental state. From a societal perspective giving is revered as an elevated practice. We have all heard at one point or another that it is better to give than to receive. Many of us hear this as small children when it is in our nature to collect things, to observe, to keep and admire. This is part of our learning process, when we hold our environment, observe it, admire it we become inherently closer to the world around us, and then it becomes safe. When we try to separate someone from the safety found through understanding we are breaking this natural process by not allowing them to create the safe bubble that produces independence. The practice of giving is something that is done by those who are developmentally ready and able. This is where the nurturing aspect of our nature comes into play. Also, you may notice an undertone of hierarchy that is sometimes implied by this statement of giving vs. receiving, which compounds the concept that receiving is less necessary. Now if we have all these givers and no receivers we are left in a bit of a quandary. To have balance and harmony in giving there must be someone to receive your gift. Otherwise, the giver is unable to receive the benefits of giving. Herein lies the issue, how can we mutually receive at any season of life without shame? The solution is simple in theory: remain open to receiving.

Learning to receive when we have been taught to give and not take requires strength and humility. To accept the gift that giver or creator is offering is sometimes scary, especially if it seems to be a gift of service or a gift that is somehow beyond our means. This can sometimes trigger an unworthy self response of an inner fear. For me personally, I have become aware of the challenge presented by these fears. Over the last few years I have observed that when I am offered a gift, specifically one of energy I have troubles accepting because I am afraid they will see something in me that is undesirable. This fear has kept me small.
It has kept me from creating relationships within this tribe and with those who wish to connect with my light as they offer theirs. This fear has the potential to create rejection. It can potentially isolate both receiver and giver who were poised to have a beautiful exchange, leaving both less powerful. These exchanges are paramount on our journey towards the divine. As we begin to trust, not only in ourselves but in others, our beliefs influence our surroundings. The ripple effect takes hold in our communities creating safety and though that safety, trust is born. When trust is born, freedom takes flight. Then, we all benefit as we stand together in tolerance and uplifted in peace.

Choose to no longer cheat yourself out of a gift because you are worthy to receive it. If this gift was not meant for you it would not be offered to you. This is an opportunity to get a little closer to your intuitive nature, to get back in touch with the harmony of humanity. By accepting these gifts and receiving them wholeheartedly you will in turn gift the gifter and you both will become fuller, wiser, and more supported as you each bravely step into this space and receive.

My Yoga is Your Yoga

Typically I love to share little nuggets with you about cultivating a practice that is sustainable for you where you are in this moment. But today I would like to share with you a small part of my own journey within this practice of yoga we adore so much. When I began my yoga training and education the first thing we discussed was what Yoga is. This discussion brought up many different ideologies about the practice, seeing as we all use these tools for different benefits. I learned that most of us practice yogic that can be categorized into one of these four paths or ways to yoga.

Most of us are familiar with branches of Kriya yoga, these practices focus on the eight limb path of yoga which includes the Yamas (restraints), Niyamas (observances), Asana (intelligent movement), Pranayama (mindful breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (Meditation), Samadhi (transcendent state). These tend to be the practices most of us are familiar with and call yoga, but too often yoga has become only a 3rd limb practice. You may know Kriya yoga as these "types" of yoga; Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundilini and Tantric. These are just a few examples but there are many other types of physical and meditative based yoga practices.

Bhakti yoga, is often regarded as the yoga of devotion. This was how I was first able to move into a meditative state and my favorite way to connect to our collective consciousness. This practice includes chanting mantras and often with a group of others.

Karma yoga, this practice of service is similar to those of charitable acts. The most fundamental piece of this practice is that it is performed out of love for all living beings and without the desire for recognition. You may sometimes hear this is also called seva.

Jnana Yoga, the practice of knowledge. This is unlike information or learned studies because this is the wisdom that lies within. In this practice one studies the self through a scientific approach in conjunction with everything listed above. Due to the nature of the human mind this mastery can become quite elusive for those of us who live in this ego driven era.

It was here on this first day of yoga teacher training that I realized how vast this practice of Yoga is. I also realized that this would be a life long study and practice. One that I have accepted and continually re-accept with open arms. Not because I like to twist myself into funny shapes. But because I know in my heart of hearts that doing this work as both a practitioner and as a teacher gives birth to healing, to becoming whole again. That day my teacher told me that yoga translates literally as "to yoke". To Yoke means to join, to come together as one, in Mind, Body and Soul or perhaps as You, Me and All Beings. It is so beautifully simple as often times the most profound things are. I love to simply sit and ponder this notion, this is what keeps me rooted in this practice. This concept that this is not just my life I am living. I am creating, I am destroying and recreating this life alongside an intertwined with all of you. My happiness is related to yours, your beauty is mine, our sadness and healing is shared. We are not alone even if we may physically be alone. It is this thread of universal life that lives within all of us, connecting all of us. This is yoga.

Dharma | Living from the Soul

But what is it? And how do you do that?

Dharma is a particularly complicated theory because it crosses languages and religions originating in the Vedic texts between 1000 - 1500 BCE.  Clearly with history this long some adaptations are bound to occur, but I personally identify with the Vedic and Hinduism application of this word meaning "the natural order that makes life possible".  Think of it like this, everything we do has a consequence, be it beneficial or detrimental to our lives.  These actions create our world as they ripple moving beyond us through our children, friends, neighbors and media, shaping our tomorrows.  This is the natural order that makes life possible.  If you choose to live in harmony with the natural order of the world and your own individual dharma life becomes relaxed, enjoyable and full.  When you choose to live against the natural order of life you are often met with unnecessary challenges.  This is where getting to know your dharmic role is useful. 

Most of us have had that job or relationship where we feel "the constant grind" and while we are not always in a place to take immediate action we know something has to shift.  Here you are living against your dharma.  There are several aspects to living your dharma.  There is the broad piece, what is right for the whole, these are the global aspects.  Like protecting our water supply, living softly by only taking and using what you need, reducing waste, etc.  Then there is the societal piece, the piece that allows you to  participate more locally.  This includes things like paying taxes and working, while these may not seem like spiritual aspects in our current human lives but they are necessary for our current societal structure to function (on some level - couldn't resist).  Next there is the family/relationship piece, the way you interact with those around you and the roles you take in their lives.  This one is pretty straight forward for example, if you are a father there are certain requirements that accompany the successful growth and development of the child(ren).  Finally there is your inner being, the soul space.  These are the hardest roles to define.  Mostly because they require contemplation without judgment, and they shift depending on the things listed above.  Certainly your dharmic role is different at 25 than at 75.  But beyond all of that at the your core of your being you have a job to do, a purpose for coming to this planet.  You know you have tapped into this when the actions you take fill you with lasting joy and inherent abundance.  These are the things that you keep hearing your conscious say, the things that you know you cannot stop working toward until it has been born into this world.  

This almost always feel overwhelming and contradictory.  How can I truly do what I know I need to do to be happy when I have all of these other responsibilities like loans, or mouths feed?  The truth is some of the experiences we are all currently dealing with were necessary at one time.  In order to bring us to the place where we can now shift perspective.  You will still need to pay on your loans and feed your children (if you have them).  However, you can still take steps to realize your inner dharma while honoring the outer aspects of dharma that are present in our world today.  To begin this process you will need to learn how to sit alone without being lonely, without distraction.  If you have a joyfully chaotic house like I do the noise will rarely stop and that's OK, you don't have to control it.  Instead find your space, maybe even in a closet (not a bathroom...they are gross and not great for centered breathing), grab a pillow, chair or blanket to sit on. Just breathe focusing on that sound until you are notice you are aware of the other sounds but not listening them.  Keep doing this as often as possible, daily is ideal but not always realistic.  This first step is to begin to create space mentally between your active thoughts and observing what comes and goes.  Once you get the hang of this begin to reflect by writing down anything of interest, maybe things that often come up, or even things that surprise you because they have been hidden so long you forgot they were apart of you.  Then begin to sit with the intention to know your dharma.  Ask yourself questions like when am I at my happiest?  What is responsible for that sensation?  Is It internal or external happiness?  What can I do today to authentically bring that joy to the surface?  Overtime you will find that there is a common thread that weaves your purpose and joy together.  It maybe saving the planet by reducing waste, or helping develop programs for children, or creating efficient ways to harness energy.  Maybe it is as simple as meeting your neighbor and inviting them for coffee.   But whatever it is for you, it will bring you joy and peace, and that is how you'll know you've tapped into your dharma. 

Resolutions or Intentions

What's the difference? Perspective. 

This time of year your social media feeds become flooded with eager friends, family members and groups we follow all setting resolutions.  For me this year was different, I still saw people sharing resolutions but most of the posts I saw were about intentions.  They seem like two sides of the same coin, but in reality the attachment we have to each word is vastly different.  

Resolutions and intentions can feel similar to goals.  So why is it that most of us give up on resolutions usually by week 6 but intentions can travel with you much longer?  This is where perspective comes into play.   A New Year's Resolution is a resolute, unwavering goal, often rigid and more than vigorous than we are ready for. This leaves us setting ourselves up for disappointment.  This winter season is when your body wants to hibernate, to conserve.  However many of us try to force ourselves into those unrealistic expectations like, never eating pasta again or working out every day at 5 am.  Both of which have their merits (but I would encourage you to enjoy whole wheat pasta instead!).  The real struggle here is just that a struggle because you now are required to be resolute, unwavering in your new discipline.  This brings us to the intention side of the coin.  Intentions begin fundamentally different, mostly because they do not always begin with the turn of the New Year. Intentions simply have less barriers and more freedom. Beyond that the word intention is often intermingled with purpose.  Having a purpose feels good, even if that purpose is to enjoy more green food before simple white foods. Some times intentions are just for one day, making them much more manageable already.  When do we choose to hold a longer intention it is held with purpose and a devotion to self care.   

So if you are like the millions of Americans out there that have resolutions I invite you to give your self the opportunity to soften. Perhaps adjusting your perspective of the rigid, all or nothing mindset to making the choice that suits you best in this moment.  Because ultimately these New Year's goals are always designed to help us reach our fullest potential, to become a fuller version of our already perfect selves.  So how does beating yourself up about eating something that brings you pleasure or sleeping in to snuggle with someone you love (pets included) translate to failure?  It doesn't, it is simply a new day with a new intention. 

Not into intentions or resolutions? Maybe choose a word to honor this year, or join me in my question of the year. Does this nourish you?

Gratitude, The Practice of Happy

Gratitude being synonymous with Thanksgiving finds its way to the tables we share with the ones we love as the topic of conversation.  I find in this season gratitude is abundant, as many of us observe this practice... if for only one day of the year. 

When looking around our family table this year I definitely felt a strong sense of gratitude in the simple act of sharing a meal with my husband, children, their cousins and my in-laws, most whom I don't see nearly as often as I'd wish.  Don't get me wrong, just like all families there are always challenges in relationships, especially when you don't always share the same values or history, but still I am thankful for those challenges.  When my mother in law requested each member of the family share what they are thankful for our youth joined us without phones or tablets, and as they each shared what they were grateful for. Each child had the same reply, family and friends.  The fact they were each willing to participate in this practice with the added challenge of sharing it out loud with a table full of grown ups was without a doubt a beautiful experience in cultivating a potentially life long practice of gratitude.  Still, I couldn't help but think their responses were lacking in creativity, thought and authenticity.  Even though this exercise didn't exactly begin in an authentic state, as we were all being prompted to suddenly share our thanks, it does however, provide an opportunity for reflection no matter how brief.  This experience and their responses did get me thinking, how can we cultivate a life full of gratitude? 

As a mother I have a strong desire to facilitate practices of gratitude as they have been strongly linked to lifelong happiness which is truly the biggest wish I have for my children. Luckily for us gratitude has become a buzz word and not just through the lens of the Autumnal harvests our ancestors have been giving thanks for, but a broad view of gratitude, encompassing our past, and current experiences large and small.  With this interest has come scientific studies that support the idea that you can cultivate a happy mind by taking time to consider what you are thankful for.  What I find to be even more impactful is that when we engage in this act of acknowledging what we are grateful for, we experience this sensation of gratitude even more frequently.  Beyond this, studies suggest that to benefit most fully from this practice try  focusing on people that enrich your life and experiences instead of objects.  Note these experiences in as much detail as possible avoiding the simple "I'm grateful for my family" answer, incorporate the colors, sensations, visual and felt experiences as well as who is present at these moments.  Perhaps consider utilizing the prompts of a gratitude journal, or a jar where you record what experiences you encountered through the day and then read them on New Years or your birthday, maybe you even turn of the TV, put the phone away and turn it off so you can have an uninterrupted meal with those you love and tell them face to face what they mean to you, and the fullness they bring to your life.   Practicing gratitude cultivates a grateful, more fulfilled and happier life, which we all deserve and are never too old to obtain.

Beckoning of the Season

Over the last few weeks we have focused on letting go and letting be.  In this season of release, we quite literally observe a constant state of letting go all around us.  We see this shift in the trees and plants releasing their flowers, seeds, and leaves as they begin to move their energy inward.  This is a natural shift toward conservation, a need to let go in order to preserve life's energy.  

We too feel this energetic shift to soften and turn inward, but often times our culture does not support this natural calling.  Only weeks before the autumnal equinox we return to our schedules, be it school or a more vigorous work cycle and begin to kick things into overdrive.  Unfortunately when we work against nature in this way we find ourselves feeling depleted, tired, and ready for a break.  This is our body's way of responding to the natural order of life, encouraging us to seek respite and honor this time designated to slowing down instead of overriding nature's call.  When we become aware of this need for self care but feel challenged by obligations, we find ourselves locked in a struggle between our internal needs and outward demands.  This is when we begin to seek middle ground.  Taking a cue from yoga sutra 2.46 sthira-sukham asanam, simply translated to "the action of dwelling in a good space".  When we choose to take time for self care like a walk outside or less caffeine and more sleep, really just a little less effort and a little more ease.  We become more attuned to that which is necessary, a call of your soul and that which is the depleting beg of the ego.  This awareness allows us to have the strength to follow the path of  nourishment.  It's no surprise that all of these practices can do wonders for the human psyche, and when you allow yourself to be in a state of ease life itself simply becomes easier.  So slow down, take a breath and trust your instincts The hardest part is trusting the natural flow of life, which often proves to be the most rewarding action you can take.

Experiencing Connection

Have you ever experienced a moment where you feel everything is in alignment, all in it's place and simply perfect?  This is the big squeeze, one of the moments where you briefly experience Bodhicitta.  Bodhi translates to perfect knowledge and Citta translates as that which is conscious, this is the experience of the enlightened mind.  These are the moments when you are completely connected to universal spirit, your infinite connection to all life.  In these fleeting moments it is almost as if time stands still and you can feel the synchronicity of all beings living as one.

Once we begin the process of awakening we are even more sensitive to these experiences and begin to seek them out.  When you get to this point you could potentially identify as a bodhisattva or someone who wishes to attain enlightenment.  These flashes of awakening can happen at any time, spontaneously or in meditation.  Awakening can come on slowly as you begin to digest the experiences in your daily or weekly yoga practice or it can be brought on suddenly by deep meditations or even trauma to a chakra.  When you step into this place you begin to feel an unshakable urge to practice presence.  This can involve longer than normal meditation or pranayama sessions where you become completely absorbed. You may have even visions or experiences beyond your current understanding that have a sensation of safety or a home-like feel.  Sometimes these strong sensations and desires can be unsettling for you or your loved ones as the changes you are undertaking are observed.  When you come to these experiences it is best to slow down.  Begin to pull yourself away from trying interactions as best you can and schedule more time for you to "just be in your transformation". 

Whether you are currently undergoing your own awakening or just seeing snipets of the big squeeze take time to enjoy it.  Savor your experience by sharing it, or saving it for yourself.  What feels best for you is ultimately the proper way to move gracefully into these experiences of fullness, aliveness and connection to all. 

To practice connection in your asana practice try standing in tadasana or mountain pose on the earth with relaxed arms and shoulders focus on the sensations under your feet.  On your inhale direct your breath to the soles of your feet and on your exhale feel or imagine the earths energy moving upward into your body through your feet.  If you'd like more practice a few sun salutes on the earth.  Focus on linking your inhales on upward motions and exhales on downward and backward motions. When you've finished take the same stance and observe the difference

Ego and Soul

By now you have most likely been exposed to the concept of your ego, in sanskrit we refer to this as ahamkara the "I -maker".  If you are new to this concept here is the breakdown; we all have egos, just like we all have souls and bodies, your ego is the place where you extract your "I-ness".  These are the features and characteristics that create the human expression of you. The interpretation of your unique experiences and the labeling you create to define yourself. 

In our current existence it is not only useful but necessary to know how we identify with who we are and in turn apply that information to how we interact with others. So why is it that the ancient texts ask us drop our ego?  There is a fundamental flaw with the "I-ness" (asmita) side of the ego.  As members of the human race we all share the same emotions.  We each have different triggers but we all know the experience of shame, pain, bliss and love.  These emotions are ego responses to external factors, not your actual truth, but shades of truth colored by your unique experiences. This is where we get caught up in the I's, me's and mine's.  This "I-ness" we identify with begins to create judgments in the name of protecting the ego.  When we are operating from our ego space it becomes nearly impossible to see the full picture of the soul, or your connection to the divine.  For many of us this connection to universal consciousness is the ultimate carrot on the stick.  So what is the connection to the divine and how do we get there?  to keep it simple the seat of the soul is where God or Universal Spirit lives in each of us, each and every single expression of life is a part of this divine connection, from humans, insects, plants and possibly beyond, and is often referred to as universal consciousness.  Many yogis and spiritualists work to avoid ego attachment in order to access this space within.  However turning your back on your ego is a denial of the human experience and a judgment  in and of it's self.  I say embrace your ego, get to know it, chances are that the expressions of your ego are directly related to the desires of your soul or your soul's work in this lifetime. This ego speaking is your souls way of breaking through to the surface of your awareness. This allows you to complete the actions your soul is seeking through your sensory life experience.

IN PRACTICE
Begin to learn how to listen to your ego's chatter, notice all of the I, me, and mine statements you make and begin to become aware of the underlying message or need.  Is it fear based, goal oriented or simply curiosity?  You can observe these thought patterns in meditation and in daily life.  Make notes of your ego, notice when you feel flooded by emotion and record the sensation and experience.  With this work eventually you will begin to notice the difference between "I-ness"  and the ego's work in service of the soul. Once you become more clear on the content of your mental chatter then you can begin to direct your actions to meet the needs of your souls efforts.  Continue to use these tools and experiences to uncover the peace that lies within, ultimately living your most authentic life. 

Connect, It's Yoga

On the heels of March I find that I am feeling steeped in gratitude of the connections we are fostering with one another.  Many of you came out and supported the Fox Valley Montessori School fundraiser with a little family yoga playtime.  I loved watching the connection you share with your sweet ones, as well as the adaptations you took to some of the poses.  To see pictures from this event and others follow me on Instagram @108.sarah. 

Considering the concept of connection brings me straight back to my roots; beginning with my own mother and the connection we share through the process of creation through connection. Our lives at the fundamental level are actually built upon connection and so is also the entire practice of yoga.  The word yoga literally translates to yoke or join.   So why do so many of us experience lack of connection when it is such an integral piece to our survival, and how do we shift toward regaining those important connections? It all begins with the practice of pratyahara. Sometimes you may hear this fifth limb of yoga referred to as a turning in of the senses or likened to a turtle drawing in its limbs. Pratyahara it is the practice that links your outward experiences to your inner self.  To practice pratyhara  you begin by withdrawing from unhealthy outward experiences, negative media, unhealthy foods and toxic social interactions.  Simultaneously you bring in healthy experiences, good food choices, and positive interactions.  This is done through control of the senses. When this is well practiced you have set the stage for a healthy mind body connection in turn allowing you to be truly available for those deep meaningful connections you seek. So what practices are best to foster connection?. 

• Schedule less
• Say no to commitments that drain you, likewise say yes to the ones that cultivate healthy connection
• Meditation on an object that promotes a sense of well being   
• Mantra, chanting AUM or OM aloud in the morning or evening for several minutes, 108 times or quietly repeating it throughout the day. AUM is the universal sound, the sound of all energy connected

Focus your intention of connection for these activities and over time you will gain a deeper more intimate connection with yourself and deep fulfilling relationships in the world around you.  Above all else know you are worthy of all the wondrous experience that are coming

EMBRACE WITH GRACE

Watching the world begin to wake up from the deep sleep of winter is almost magical and may very well be my favorite time of the year.  During this natural awakening many of us find we have the desire to sleep, and eat less than we did during the colder winter months.  We naturally begin the shift to more active practices, simply moving and doing more as our energy increases. With the reemerging of life comes great transformation, often times we unknowingly feel this call for transformation creep up within us fostered by the lengthening of sunlight in the day and the promise of warmer weather.  With this wet and warming Kapha season upon us (similar to spring in Auyervedic terms) experiencing the axial tilt toward the sun, has many of us feeling the pull to create and work to embrace the changes in our midst.  Much like 2018 thus far, March is also unique, in that the spring equinox falls a day earlier than usual on March 20 and Mercury is entering retrograde on the 22nd.  With this these energetic changes it is no wonder that some of us have been working more on embracing transformation gracefully rather than initiating it! 

So how do we manage the sometimes stressful experiences of change? Practice, patience and discipline, these are the works of tapas.  As Yogis we often look to the Yamas and Niyamas as our guiding principals on how to live a more peaceful and fulfilled life. Tapas is the 3rd of the Niyamas or personal practices, it is often translated to heat, austerity or discipline.  Through the practice of conscious choice or discipline we learn that being present with this internal friction and discomfort is where the action of change is cultivated. While often times we feel the urge to run or shift our focus when we feel these changes begin to emerge, (unwanted or intentionally manifested) it is best to practice patience here to support this action of change holistically.
  
Here are 3 ways to support transformation with grace.

• Practice Mindfulness - Choose your practice. Yoga asana (poses), pranayama
  (yogic breathing), or meditation. To initiate a daily practice try mantra or a phrase that reminds you to embrace transformation."I grow in the light, I gain wisdom with transformation and peace with patience." If you want to work with a Sanskrit chant use the Gayatri Mantra.
• Patience - Allow the seeds you have sewn with intention, action, and mantra to take root. This rooting action is one that requires patience, you must allow the roots of patience to move deeply into your intention to truly reap the rewards of this work, otherwise just like a young plant with weak roots your work could be washed away with the first heavy rain.
• Discipline - Continue to cultivate discipline in the action of not only mantra but continued daily activities that support your intention and transformation. Just as you would water a young seedling to support its growth, commit to your daily practice, make YOU a priority on your to-do list.

YOGA + LOVE

It is so hard to believe that January is in our rearview mirror.  I know that for me the first month of 2018 came in with a bang!  Dealing with a water claim from a bust pipe as my family and I arrived home from our winter visit in Missouri to see the faces of my dear family.   This event has given me a new appreciation for the words SIMPLIFY, PURGE, ATTACHMENT, and DESIRE.  Looking at the piles of stuff all over my house, I am inspired to let go. Over our lifetimes we accumulate so much, and we use these objects to remember special moments in our lives when in fact, if we are more focused in being in the moment we actually retain the memory better than when our focus is on finding the perfect souvenir or capturing the best photo.   So here at the close of the month for intentional living, I like so many others choose set intentions for change and  have began to manifest for my future. 

Here we find ourselves in the midst of the next holiday theme, the season of love.  When considering love and yoga the first thing that comes to mind is Ahimsa, which is the first of the Yamas or guidelines for ethical living.  Ahimsa literally translates to not harm, "a" means opposite of and "himsa" is harm, if you are not harming than you must acting with compassion or love. This season can be a challenging one for many people, maybe due to the loss of a loved one or perhaps a feeling there is no one to love in their life or to love them.  This is where I like to consider directing this action of non-harming to myself, bringing my focus to MORE self love.  For me it is when I bring this sense of self love into my daily routines and yoga practice that I begin to notice shifts in my thinking, feeling and functioning. I begin to observe all kinds of improved daily experiences like, being kinder and more patient with my loved ones, weight loss, and a renewed sense of joy and passion. Some of the ways you can welcome love into your life are

• Meditation practice, this is best at the same time each day most are happy with meditating in the morning before showering or just before bed. don't overthink it, 5 minutes in a quite space simply observing your breath is a great place to work.
• Write a love letter...to yourself! At first this can be a challenging task. But just try to see you through the eyes of others and all the amazing qualities you possess.  If you are stuck write a list of qualities that make you loveable (remember you always have been and always will be).
• Tell your self "I love You",  Look in the mirror everyday and say aloud "I love you". Make eye contact with yourself and say it everyday!

I hope these actions begin to get you thinking about ways to improve your own self love and assist you in becoming love abundant!

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Welcome

Welcome yogis! I am beyond thrilled to be launching my yoga site and blog. You will be able to see my upcoming classes, teaching skills as well as other nuggets.  

Thank you for following me on my own personal journey, continuing in my discovery to find my true self and my path towards enlightenment.