Loving kindness as you come back to center. A practice of smriti.
8/12/2024
"Come back to center, that place in you that is still, calm, quiet, and connected... a place that is quietly confident, unassuming, spontaneous and free." Melody Beattie
Good morning dear seekers,
It's a Monday in mid August as I come to this space of familiarity and novelty to share, to reflect, to offer. Our breaks are necessary, our lessons and challenges are necessary. Sometimes we get lost or busy, stuck or numb. Many times, we must remove the rocks from our backpack and be in the moments. As you arrive again, I hope that you too have allowed yourself the permission to feel into the season of the sun, to experience what is meant for you as it arises. In that feeling and exploration- courage and vulnerability with heart as you arrive again. Lets take time to come back to center. May this time be that for you, as it is for me.
This cooling of the morning brings with it experiences of past, and the image above of a wonderful and timeless moment in the Columbia Gorge. All that has brought me to this moment, this arriving is a return. From the yoga sutras, we say Now. Now the yoga begins. Atha. Atha Yoga Nusasanam. In that returning there is a remembrance, or smriti. Alongside feelings of an openness and curiosity, there is an energizing quality rising within me. We say rajas- that which is energized. Here, a blend of anticipation, expectation, nervousness and a smile for what maybe uncovered.
Let your self return. Return to your center. Even if only a glimpse is accessible at present. Begin to draw inward and find the place in you, that which is stable, steady- we say tamas. Arrive here with the simplicity of a deep breath in, and a natural sigh out. Repeat as many times as this moment calls for.
Then. Even your rhythm, your pace. Start to quiet the places of tension in your body. The face. Skin of the forehead. Muscles behind the eyes. Soften the cheeks, the tongue, the jaw. Relax the space between your shoulder blades and let your breath fill up your heart space. As your breath moves, might you welcome your low belly to receive the inbreath. Grounding into support below. Let it carry you. Effortless. Steady breath in. Soothing breath out. Return to that place in you that is quietly confident, unassuming, spontaneous and free. To that which is clear, luminous, lucid- we say sattva.
Welcome. Welcome back. Toward closer union. Yoga means union. To your center.
"Your center is a place you can trust. It connects body, mind, heart, and soul. It connects truth, your inner voice... your best work comes from there. You most loving times come from there. Your center is a place that is naturally joyful and at peace. It is accepting, nonjudgmental, and it channels the voice of your heart.
If you must leave your center to learn a lesson, feel a feeling, or experience something new, do that. Take all the side trips you are called to. But come back to center when you are done. " Melodie Beattie
As you take your trips, your lessons, your responsibilities. As summer begins its transition toward fall, may you start from your center. Returning and remembering. With practice, each time requires less effort. From center, orient, create, and connect from your most aligned self.
This week practices offer foundations to start again. Keeping it real as we practice loving kindness toward self and others.
At Home Yoga @ 8am PST 30 min morning sun yoga- begins this Thurs Aug 15th. Start on a Thursday? Why not :). This is a pay what you want class- no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Try it out. Start setting your foundations for support in an at home practice as fall approaches.
Tues & Thurs @ 8am on Zoom: Morning Sun Yoga Register Here
"May I be filled with compassion for myself and others. May I hold myself with care and respect. May I treasure my life. May I be filled with kindness." Jack Kornfield
Here with you in practice. With love & light.
-Maya
Curious about one-one yoga therapy or in person yoga? Offerings here. Connect or follow on social and above all, take in wholehearted week.