Clarity & Love

Magical Moments 

Thanks so much to EVERYONE who came out for Mike’s gig at the Red Dock. Wow! You packed the place and brought amazing energy! Yes, the wind was a little intense during the gig, and I know some of you were missing the heat . . . but, I  have to tell you:
sandals + puffy coat = my kind of weather! 😆 

Speaking of weather, the sky has been putting on a SHOW lately. On my way to teach Monday morning at Satya, I had to stop and snap this photo from the bridge. Thank you Rhoda for sharing your photo of the full arch at the beach!

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“In a world of noise, confusion, and conflict, 
it is necessary that there is a place of inner silence and peace; not the peace of mere relaxation but the peace of inner clarity and love.”

~ Thomas Merton

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Hi friends!

I am so thankful for the return of good quality air in West Michigan! It has definitely been cooler this week, but as long as there’s that bright blue sky overhead? I find it easier to keep my mood elevated! 😎

There are so many inputs that impact how we’re feeling, and sometimes the waves of our day to day can be challenging. 

Lately, amidst some struggles, I have been reminded how powerful a daily practice really is. Taking even a few moments to get still. To tune into my surroundings. To my posture. To my breath. It makes all the difference. 

It’s in the pause, and the connection to breath and body, that I find greater clarity.  When I turn down the internal noise, I can better hear what it is I need. 

I think the quotation up above makes an important distinction. ⬆️

“. . . not the peace of mere relaxation but the peace of inner clarity and love.”

Inner clarity and love. 

This isn’t always easy to access. 

For me? One of the patterns I’m trying to shift is how hard I am on myself. 
Internally. 
I feel it takes me too long to change gears, release, and find ease. 
While I prefer levity, I can linger in a place that feels heavy. 

So, what can I do to help make that shift? 
How do I move the needle in the direction I want to go?

One tool I am LOVING lately is Pranidhana Mudra, or the gesture of surrender. 

It represents letting go, trusting, and surrendering to the natural flow of life, and it’s super simple to do:

1. Hand Position: Bring the tips of your middle and ring fingers to touch your thumb on each hand.
2. Extended Fingers: Extend your index and little fingers.
3. Connecting Hands: Gently bring the tips of your extended index and little fingers of both hands together, forming a connection.
4. Placement: Rest the mudra in your lap or hold it gently in front of your navel or heart center.
5. Posture: Sit comfortably in a meditative posture, with a tall spine and relaxed shoulders.
6. Breathing and Intention: Close your eyes, breathe deeply and slowly, and focus on the intention of surrender and letting go with each exhale. You can silently repeat an affirmation such as "Letting go opens me to a field of new possibilities".
7. Duration: Practice for 5-10 minutes during meditation or any time you want to cultivate a sense of surrender and peace

So, if you’re wanting some support to soothe tension in the body, reduce stress, and find a greater sense of ease . . . give this practice a try! It’s an every day part of my world right now, and I am SO thankful for these tools. 

Here’s to finding the inner peace of clarity and love,​

m