Have you ever noticed how, when a message needs to be delivered to you, the Universe is infinitely clever at finding a way? From overhearing a conversation in line at the grocery store, to a theme that plays on repeat in every yoga class you attend that week, when we are open to receiving, the guidance is all around us. And when that happens, even if it’s a message we’re resistant to, it serves as a reminder that the wisdom is always there, patiently waiting for us to open our hearts and our ears.
This past week was such an experience for me. From overhearing conversations in a meditation class to the theme of literally every yoga class I took, it was clear:
“Where are you holding, and what can you let go of?”
That’s a multi-level question and for me, requires dropping beneath the ego mind that says pain and loss are a sure thing if I let go: of a commitment, a relationship, a job opportunity, a to-do list item. Though it’s messaging is often subtler, the ego mind is saying, “see, you’re not perfect, and if you don’t keep up, everyone will see your true, defective self, and you’ll be left alone and unlovable.” The fear of not being enough surfaces as not having enough: time, energy, opportunities, importance. The last thing the ego mind wants is to be obsolete, and it’ll give all it’s got to remain master.
While I spent years living this way, the practice of stillness and the increased awareness that it brings has shown me that roles are reversible. So this time, I’m choosing to face the voice, feel the fear, and acknowledge the behaviors that are creating contraction, rigidity, and depletion. I’m settling into a steady seat. I’m opening a blank page, drawing a line down the middle, and creating two columns: “Keep” and “Release”. I am scanning all the areas I am currently giving energy to, what kind of energy, how much, and what it is fostering/feeding in me. With the intention to cultivate greater peace and ease, I will lovingly place each item. With deep breaths, I will rest in Sraddha, in faith that aligned intentions will ultimately serve the highest good.
I invite you to join me in this practice. May we all feel the supportive space that the Universe holds for us; may we be free.
at risk of oversharing
Teaching and Leading Yoga
As You Are