Supporting an openness for life.

4/1/2024

Good afternoon kind seekers,

Its funny how one comes to the page to write, delete, edit, re-write, and through the process emerge upon something that feels like a yes. Surrendering to the process and seeing what emerges.

In my region we were blessed with some sunshine over these last few days. And in my world, the last few weeks there have been recent passings, soul's taking off their shoes as Ram Dass would share, to release from their human vessel. We can see new life emerging from winter, plants, animals, children, the young at heart from a long winter re-awakening to the potential of the season, to the sun. Some eager to create, to explore, to find solutions to worldly problems, or striving to uncover their next meal. All these happenings and for those of us that can take in this writing, just enough resource and circumstance to do our part in showing up for ourselves. How do we nourish and cultivate what is needed within to stay open to these pulls of life?

Answers to this will undoubtedly look different for each of us, and will inevitably evolve and change over time. Pragmatically, we can look to our daily habits, routines, where we are putting our time and energy. The practice to bring more discernment and kind focus toward those activities and uses of attention that are supporting and not draining. To prime ourselves for openness to life, less guarding and more trust. And not only openness, but freedom to get our hands dirty, to play, to try, to fail, to shine, to rupture and repair.

This type of openness is most accessible when we lean into our practices that bring safety and support, stability and steadiness. Allowing for space and a fluidity of spirit to open to life. For radiance to shine, even a glimpse on the stormy days, is a return to tapas, our steady daily activities, our nourishing self-discipline that takes care of our body, mind, and spirit.

With steadiness and support, our hands can open freely, our minds can bring curiosity with more insight, our actions can be more intentional and kind.

In Ayurvedic teachings, the dosha of Kapha is to be primed this season. We can use the elements of earth and water, the qualities of grounding & fluidity, without becoming mud (unless its playful ;), asks us to lift with just enough fire & air to channel from the heart.

Come back to your breath. Smooth & Steady. Bring your attention to your feet on the ground. Held. Now more attention to the air you breathe in, give it warmth from the inside. Smooth & Steady. 5 to 10 rounds. Offer kindness toward yourself as you continue to pace this week, a bit more open to witness the small pebbles on your path, inviting pauses to rest, to linger, to shine.

Here with you in practice & with love & light.

Maya