Honing the Heart. Tapas Transformation and Wonder.

10/21/24

Hello dear seekers,

In my morning walk with Koba, I’m reminded of the need to address immediate needs—like Koba’s anxious reactions to stimuli—before being able to appreciate the beauty, the elements around us. We are called to meet the dense, the aliveness first, before we can appreciate the subtle. There was desire toward a tranquil walk, to take in the beauty of nature’s gifts- it’s lessons of channeling it’s inner fire and staying steadfast, disciplined as shadow season and wintering approaches. Today, I’d like to share just a few nuggets, on my heart and mind. The remembrance that while life has its challenges, there are wonders to be found, peace to orient from the sways of doing and being, and that heart and commitments can be met as we tend and journey forth.

"The best tool for effective prana is focus." – Dr. Claudia Welch.

And so, a bit of focus. To channel life force, prana. Welcome a deep, cleansing breath in. And take that releasing breath out. 3 rounds. Breath in and out through your nose, steady, soothing, and balancing- in your pace and time.

“Can you balance self-love while staying on top of your tasks?" – Matt Kahn

What if you could approach daily tasks from a heart-centered space, merging self-compassion with productivity? This practice helps balance being and doing, allowing actions to emerge from deep inner peace. It’s a way of living I’m striving for, reflecting on how we often swing between extremes in self-care and commitments.

Our westernized conditioning often leans toward doing, yet what would life be like if we oriented from a space of being? When I meet life from this centered place, my nervous system feels soothed.

As Libra season closes, the practices of late toward harmonizing, balancing and discerning with an open heart- I’m reminded that we appreciate our small daily acts. They matter. They lead toward our transformation, our evolution, and our uncovering.

"It's okay if the best of you is still something you are growing into." – Andrea Gibson

Growth takes time and discomfort a necessary ingredient. Give yourself the permission to lean into your gift of compassion and heart  toward self as you explore your becoming. Our growth, our shedding, our learning paced in our unique rhythm. If your creations don’t quite feel like you fit them yet, it is all part of this process.

Return to compassion- heart in action. And with a greater depth of orienting from this space, versus at the effect of the external stimuli or perhaps your inner work.

Let’s hone back into our tapas—courageous heart in action—to burn inner residue that maybe blocking us as we prepare for wintering. Just as the leaves, the trees, the other life forms of nature are as well.

"The practice must be steady, continuous, and over a period of time." – Patanjali 1.14.

In line with Byron Katie’s work, that arguing with reality causes suffering, I will extend Dorothy Hunts wisdom.

"Peace is this moment without judgement. That is all.

This moment in the heart space where everything that is, is welcome. Peace is this moment without thinking it should be some other way. That you should feel some other thing. That your life should unfold according to your plans.

Peace is this moment without judgement. Where everything that is, is welcome."

Can we meet this moment with openness, without wishing it were different? Orienting from heart-centered space to meet the tasks, the asks? This week, let’s dedicate our practice to clearing the body, breath, and mind, fostering a spirit of kindness and resilience.

As shadow season approaches, let’s keep creating the space, to deepen our connection to the wonders within and around us. In your growth and responsibilities, bring with you, your heart and understanding. Let’s keep deepening and honoring both the work and the wonders, orient from the being as you meet the doing.

"Life is filled with suffering, but it is also filled with many wonders, like the blue sky, the sunshine, and the eyes of a baby. To suffer is not enough. We must also be in touch with the wonders of life. They are withing us and all around us, everywhere, any time." Thich Nhat Hanh

In spirit and wonder, locals please join me!

All Hallows Eve Yoga Gathering 2024– Nov 1st @ 5:30pm Yoyoyogi

Commemorate and play with me at my 3rd annual All Hallows Eve celebration on Nov. 2 at 5:30 pm @ Yoyoyogi. On this special night, when the veil is thin, we’ll bridge holiday traditions to honor loved ones passed with an intentional, Halloween-inspired yoga class. From Samhain to Halloween to Dia de los Muertos, let’s welcome the magic and mystery of shadow season.

The evening will feature festive décor, lighting, music, a community ofrenda, intention setting, chanting, and a creative flow with hints of a Halloween circus. Our 75-minute practice will be followed by a gathering with sweet and savory treats. You're welcome to bring a memento or photo of a loved one and adorn yourself in festive attire.

Here with you in practice and in love & light.

-Maya

Join me @ YoYoYogi in Studio on Mondays, or Online Tues & Thurs. Register here.

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