“It is better to strive in one’s own genuine truth than to succeed in the truth of another. Nothing is ever lost in following one’s own genuine truth.” ~ Bhagavad Gita Pathway Forward
Peace for All Hello! Well, I have to say, I love the energy that emerges with spring. Nothing like some blue sky days and warmer temperatures to brighten up all of our moods. And, when Javi actually settled on my lap long enough so I could read on our front porch? The BEST! Speaking of reading, I have my typical stack going, but the one I am smitten with at the moment (and savoring) is Walking Each Other Home by Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush. (Thank you, Rhoda, for the wonderful recommendation.) The book is a gorgeous conversation about aging, loving, dying, and living as our highest self. Even though I am still reading, I am already exploring the learning, the shifts, it is gifting me. There’s something so powerful about its message of love. It certainly is inspiring me to further soften into my true self, rather than cling to any of the masks that I wear. This pathway of yoga, this practice that we do, it is paramount to developing peace. Peace within ourselves, for ourself, and peace with all around us. I do not process my learning very quickly. It takes me real time. So, today I’m going to sign off, get back out on that porch, and nestle in. Because . . . the sun is still shining And maybe, just maybe, I’ll get that first glimpse of a hummingbird! What have you read that inspired or shifted you? I’d love to know! ~ m 🦋
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“If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present . . . gratefully.” ~ Maya Angelou Add Light ✨
Not fuel Hi friends! Real talk. There have been some additional stressors in my life lately, and I have to tell you . . . I’ve been feeling a little more volatile than usual; I don’t love it. The impact of the stress is showing up in myriad ways. I’m a little less patient. A bit more cynical or defensive. A tad more withdrawn. A lot more depleted. It’s not easy when we feel less than our best. And, it’s tempting to push aside any and all negativity. Who wants to dwell in the dark stuff? While I am not one for stewing or becoming stagnant, I also try not to fear my own shadows. It’s not necessarily easy, nor comfortable, to look at our own shortcomings. However, it IS instructive to examine our own behaviors, our own thoughts, and our own patterns. How else do we learn? Let alone shift, grow, and evolve? Once we allow ourselves to recognize, and acknowledge, our own shortcomings, it seems to soften all the edges. It’s okay to sit with a new understanding of ourselves. When we try and deny who we are, and how we are interacting or engaging, I feel that our denial fuels our circumstances. And here’s the thing. Rather than adding fuel to a situation? I want to be a source of light. ✨ Okay. I was impatient. Now what?
It’s important for us to settle into presence so we can shift gears. When we can find stillness, we can soften our edges and more clearly hear our highest, best self that is always within. I don’t want to deepen the groove of my own pattern that reacts impatiently. I want to move that needle towards something better. Thankfully, it’s possible to do so! And guess what? I’m the only one who can do it for myself. How empowering! 💪🏽 Take another look at the Maya Angelou quotation up above. 👀 And remember, use soft eyes for your internal gaze. Offer yourself the kindness and compassion you would extend to loved ones. Shortcomings are not something to ignore. Instead, soften and shift. 🚀 We can do this; we’re worth it! ✨Thanks for bringing the light ✨ ~ m 🦋 P.S. Last summer so many of you came out to hear Mike’s band at Music in the Park. It was SO MUCH FUN! This summer, his band will be playing at Red Dock on Sunday, July 14. Save the date, and I hope to see you there!
“The blessing is first for ourself and then is more readily offered to others.” ~ Guru Jagat Heal As One
Rise As One Hi beauties! It’s already April. Mercury has gone retrograde. Our total solar eclipse is happening in just a few days. Yep, there’s a lot going on. And when life seems extra busy, or turbulent, I am especially thankful for all the ways yoga supports me in my daily life.
No matter the pace, I love being on the mat. However, my yoga is practiced far more frequently off the mat. One of my favorite ways yoga supports me is through mantra. Mantra is great because it is so multi-faceted and such a profoundly healing practice. Mantra can be:
You can use mantra almost any time, any where. You can use it in repetition with your favorite mala. You can listen to a beautiful recorded version. You can sing aloud and share, or you can have it barely noticeable in the background. There are many different mantras I use to support myself, and I have a particular fondness for Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu. While it is not a traditional Vedic mantra, it is a Sanskrit sloka (prayer) that has been used for centuries. A more full translation for the mantra is: May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all. I love that this mantra is a pledge of love for ourselves, and that it expands to all humanity beyond. We are all interconnected, and using this mantra reminds us to look outside of our egoic self in order to be a positive force for all creation. Whatever blessings I wish for myself, I wish for ALL others. When we offer ourselves compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, perhaps we are more able to readily extend this to others. If we can further our understanding of the impact we have on others, then we can foster greater compassion and create more global kindness. When we recognize we are not alone, and we are no different, then love naturally arises. May all beings transcend suffering May all beings experience great healing May all beings realize the truth within their heart and be set free May we heal as one May we rise as one Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu ♥️, m P.S. There are loads of recorded versions of this mantra! Not sure where to start? I’ve got you. ☺️ Try any of these:
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AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
April 2024
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