Honesty

Most of us would say that we are honest people. If that's the case, why do so many of us say yes to things when we'd really prefer to say no?

I know that I struggle with this issue. I actively seek to avoid conflict and will let my need to be "nice" or the idea that I don't want to hurt someone's feelings get in the way of being direct and clear. I am trying to make progress in this area by pausing and simply not talking or giving an answer one way or another. At least then I have an opportunity to go back later to say no! Even this is a stall tactic and not very respectful of my own needs or the needs of the person who was requesting something. By avoiding an answer, I may lead them to think that I agree, and I put myself in the stressful position of trying to figure out when and where to set the record straight.

On our yoga mats our practice allows us time and space to be present. Hopefully we can find clarity and truth that will allow us to grow in our integrity and ability to offer our best to the world. Maybe we all need to seek to find the balance between being brutally honest (which may just be an excuse for being aggressive toward someone else) and being too passive and failing to speak up. Think about your words. Speak with gentleness and truth.

Superpowers

My book club just finished reading a book (A Tale for the Time Being) about a young girl struggling to find her place in the world. Her grandmother Jiko was a wise woman who practiced meditation and tried to help her granddaughter discover her "superpowers". We all have unique talents and gifts. Yet if we are asked, many of us can't articulate what we are good at or what talents we have. There certainly aren't too many of us talking up our "superpowers"!

Nelson Mandela once said "Who are we, not to shine?" Take some time to consider what you have to offer.....and then make sure you offer it! Don't hold back....the world needs people with different skills, talents (and even superpowers) to take action. Allow your yoga practice to become a place to explore and get in touch with your inner capacity and gifts. Find some time to be quiet and reflect about your life, your work and all that you have to offer. Live your best life...breathe deep...stay open to new adventures. Each moment is an opportunity to get started. It's time to use those superpowers!

Summer Yoga....register now!

The dates for Yoga Moodra summer sessions have been set! Please see the sidebar for class details. Monday and Tuesday classes are 4:30-5:30pm and will run for 6 weeks. Cost will be $50. The Thursday night class at All Saints (7-8pm) will run for 8 weeks and the cost will be $65 for the session.
In addition, if you are new or just want to try out a class...you can always attend on a drop-in basis for $10 per class.
Don't forget your yoga practice this summer! See you on the mat!

Summer yoga dates coming soon!

I will publish summer yoga dates next week! If you have input or dates that you'd prefer...feel free to let me know. Typically I try to run yoga classes at the same day/time as the rest of the year and usually run sessions in June and July with some time off in August. Fall yoga sessions will start in September. Thanks to all of you for choosing my classes and for recommending Yoga Moodra to your friends and neighbors!

Clean up

The sun has reappeared and spring seems to have officially arrived. Many of us use the change in seasons to clear some clutter and open the windows. It's time to freshen up and clean out a closet, organize the garage, and rid ourselves of any material signs of winter heaviness.

What about our own emotional clutter?  Feng shui (while I am no expert) is based on the idea that how we arrange our physical environment will impact our emotions and our ability to be at our best in all aspects of our lives. The idea is that physical clutter and things in disarray in our home can often be a reflection of our own inner turmoil and lack of focus. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by "stuff" right now, then some spring cleaning may help you feel a bit lighter,  more relaxed and relieved.

Our internal dialogue and how we choose to think about things can create mental confusion as well. Yoga tradition describes an idea called shaucha which is about keeping things clean and orderly on an internal level so that we can maintain focus and an even temperament. Along with some external spring cleaning, maybe a 'new attitude' and willingness to release old baggage and hurts can also bring a new found sense of calm and peace. Making decisions that we know down deep that are right and true for us, or letting go of old ways of thinking can help us feel clearer. Practice shaucha...live according to your beliefs and values, practice healthy habits, and let go of old ways of being in the world that no longer serve you.

Happy Spring!