Choosing Between the Hard and the Hard

Choosing Between the Hard and the Hard

by | Jun 28, 2022 | Uncategorized

Here we are in full bloom of summer; a time of high energy and activity.

The power of the sun fuels the fire element and propels us to action. The sun gives us strength, vitality, and focus and rules our digestive fire.

Clarity and radiance are born from this power.

Plus, this week we have a new moon in cancer on Tuesday, the  28th. The watery elements heighten our emotions and provides an opportunity for us to clear away what has been and open to new possibilities. 

Personally, I am in the thick of these very things.

The fire and water elements that predominate right now can give way to us feeling out of sorts such as irritated, angry, and critical.  We may be more sensitive, emotional, and reactive.

We may experience more inflammatory conditions…..acid reflux, skin rashes, etc. Or maybe we push ourselves too hard rather than surrendering to the pace of the body. Add to the equation the circumstances in the world around us and in our own personal lives.

What a wild ride it can be. This we know:  the more we can remain calm and steady, the better off we will be. This is especially true when faced with making a difficult decision.

I am in the midst of making  a decision between “the hard and the hard”.
So how do we choose between the two?

My beloved studio/barn and one plus acres of land is for sale. My Yoga and Ayurveda business is, and will remain, alive and well…online.

I have come to the point in my life where I want and need more simplicity and a financial cushion for my elder years. What I know to be true is that this decision cannot be rushed.

I have taken time over the past two years to reflect on this.

I’ve needed to get quiet and centered and clear about my intentions and the “why”.

I’ve needed to allow the time and space for the emotional roller coaster ride.

I’ve applied the teachings about the importance to go beneath the surface waves of turmoil.

I have sorted through the fears, the heartache, the letting go as well as being open to the possibilities and new beginnings.

The words from Jack Kornfield help comfort me:

“ Like a traveler on a train.
We can put down our bags.
We can relax our grip and trust
in the unfolding of life.”

In the end, when the answer comes of what is truly right for us, we will know.

There is a calm and peace way deep down inside that shows us the way.

And all will be alright.

 

For those of you who are facing difficult decisions at this time,  my heart is with you.

May you too take all the time you can and need so you can hear the wisdom of your soul to show you the way.

With love,
Deb

 

Inspiration for Troubling Times

Inspiration for Troubling Times

by | Jun 3, 2022 | Practice, Summer

These troubling times continue on. 

So many of us feel the heartache, anger, despair, and overwhelm. We go through our days not quite knowing how to feel or what to do. 

My daily practice helps me stay strong and steady. And, I often look to inspirational readings.

Here is one that helps keep things in perspective for me:

“Sadness gives depth. Happiness gives height.
Sadness gives roots. Happiness gives branches.
Happiness is like a tree going into the sky, and sadness is like the roots going down into the womb of the earth.
Both are needed, and the higher a tree goes, the deeper it goes, simultaneously.
The bigger the tree, the bigger will be its roots.
In fact, it is always in proportion. That’s its balance.”  

-Osho

One thing I know to be true.

We need our practices more than ever to help us stay grounded and balanced.

Movement, breath work, mindfulness, and meditation are some of the keys to help maintain inner stability.

Training ourselves daily with our sadhana, or practice, helps us  develop a stable emotional body and a calm mind which in turns bring about peace and happiness.

When we uplift ourselves then we also deepen our roots and we can shine our light and help uplift and root all those around us as well.

This takes work.  Freedom takes work. Doing our own inner work is what is needed more than ever now.

The saying goes:  Peace begins with us.

I encourage you to reflect upon the following questions and write down insights, thoughts, or anything all all that comes to mind. This practice will help clarify and guide you on your path.

Some Questions to Ponder:

  • What are the areas within us that needs healing?
  • What are our triggers that bring on shame, anger, resentment, blame, and pain?
  • What can we do to help uplift ourselves so we can uplift all those around us?

We are encouraged to let ourselves feel what is going on.

We are encouraged to take the time to self-reflect and self-correct.

 

  • What are our thoughts, how are we behaving?
  • How are we living day in and day out? 
  • What are we surrounding ourselves with? What are we eating?
  • Are our daily habits supporting our mental and emotional health?

“Stop a minute.  Relax your shoulders, shake your head and spine like a dog shaking off cold water.

Tell that imperious voice in your head to be still.”

-Barbara Kingsolver