Harnessing the winds. Aligning with Purpose and Happiness.

6/4/24

"Just as clouds evolve and shift, with the winds, I am continuously growing and adapting, daily. I take each step at a measured pace, being gentle with myself through changes." Morgan Harper Nichols

Nichols' words resonate deeply with me as we enter June. We are always in transition. A lesson I'm embracing is that saying yes to something means saying no to something else. Time and energy are precious resources. Balancing the novelty of life with honoring your vital energy and needs is the practice of bhramacharya. When our schedules are full, taking on more—even in the spirit of vitality, learning, connection, and joy—means something else must give. Attempting to create under pressure yesterday would have caused me more harm than good. And so, as we move into summer, the need to adapt and stay agile is calling. Thank you for your grace as we each navigate our commitments. Remember to extend the same grace to yourselves as we realign- in purpose and happiness.

In Purpose and Happiness. These were themes from my very full Sunday spent in yoga community, the experience of an embodied reunion for me in receiving from 2 influential teachers who emulate uniquely the yang and yin energies I hold in my heart.

The yang represented manifesting strength, inspiration, and channeling inner fire to live your passions and commitments. Encouragement to meet your edges and fully embrace them in support of your path- in service to your happiness. Sometimes, we can get lost in our forest and need reminders of our "why"—to live a happy life. Deservedly, to live a happy life. Your purpose to align in service to your happiness, and the greater happiness of those you impact, you love.

The yin practice was a quieting. A softening away from demands. A space for listening to the heartfelt pause. A return to heartfelt longing. Savasana. Nidra. This return to what is still and simple, to replenish and to be. From the place of surrender, I've harnessed greater appreciation for this beautiful cycle to uncover and rediscover that shine.

I shared with one of these teachers the power he holds in the gift of remaining steadfast. The practice may not change, but we are the ones that change. I encourage you to lean into your anchors, what is steadfast. For me, it's the elements- especially Earth. Feet on the ground. Breathe of the body. Home of the heart.

From this place during the month of June I'll be guiding us to embrace the winds of Gemini season—air, adaptability, and play. From the elements, honing our awareness of the Vayus- the directional winds derived from the Upanishads. The Vayus carry prana, or life force, within the body. We have the tools to listen and to influence these winds, dancing toward balance and nourishing vitality to meet our life.

This week, my focus on Apana Vayu, the downward descending wind. Ground yourself with earth and water elements that support elimination and letting go. As the season speeds up and life becomes more active, bring focus to grounding with breath, body, intention of the mind on the downward flow.

The upcoming new moon is an opportunity to shed and release. Can you ease your mind and let go of resistance? Are you struggling to change directions in life? Take a moment to breathe deeply, pause, and extend your exhale. Embrace kindness and compassion as you reflect: What might be ready to be released? To be let go? That is holding you back from your purpose and happiness? Offer your reservations or worries to the vast body of support beneath your feet.

In the living of your purpose and in service to your happiness, embrace the sky that is you. Your sky can hold the clouds, the winds, the rains and the stars. Welcome each step, give the downward winds of Apana back to earth and receive back it's energy in kind. May you walk on with a strength of purpose and gentleness of heart, letting go what is ready to create more space for what's to come.

Here with you in practice and in love & light.

-Maya

Inspirations from: Morgan Harper Nichols. Alex Cole. Tony Roberts and my teachers.

In June: Deepening through the Vayus: offerings here.

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