The Power of Choice

Changing our View
​Last week when I wrote you, I did not yet know the outcomes of the election. 

This week, we all continue digesting the results. 

I am grateful for every conversation I’ve heard and been part of. While the conversations have not all been easy, nor comfortable, they have been helpful.

To me? The cornerstone of this moment seems to be centered upon our division. What if we could change that narrative simply by changing our gaze?

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“Power without love is reckless and abusive,
and love without power is sentimental and anemic. 
Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice,
and justice at its best is power correcting everything
that stands against love.”

~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Hello friends,

What a week it has been. 

First and foremost, please continue taking great care of yourself. 
And please . . . keep checking in with others. 

Thank you. ♥️

I wish I had magical words that could serve as a balm for all.

Knowing that’s not realistic, I offer a few personal reflections and takeaways.

Primarily, I want to talk about our gaze. 

That’s right. 
What we choose to look at? 
Turns out it makes a big difference. 

For years in my yoga classes I’ve been saying, “Changing our view changes everything.” 

Typically, I offer this while in a particular asana or posture. 
For example: tree pose. 
While standing on one foot, we usually direct our gaze at a single spot to help keep our balance. 

But, what happens if we simply lift our eyeballs towards the sky? 🙄

Everything shifts! 🤪

Now, what if we applied this same concept as we walk around in the world? 

We decide for ourselves what we choose to look at. 
In other words, we have autonomy when it comes to where we spend our energy and to what we give our attention. 
I understand this isn’t true every minute of the day. 
But, when we do have choice, where do we direct our gaze? 
What captures our attention?
Where are we directing our own energy? 

These days, a lot of algorithms create funnels that direct our gaze for us. 
It may look like we have scrolling through endless options. 
But really? It’s not choice. 

This never-ending loop has inspired me to be more curious about . . . curiosity. 😉

If I can remain curious, that means I want to know more. 
If I want to know more, that means I am also willing to listen and to learn. 

I hope we can remain curious so we can continue fostering connections. 
Through connections? We promote empathy. 

When my sorrow for humanity and this planet looms large? That’s when I really have to tune into my own gaze. And choose wisely for myself. 

Time in nature helps. 
Nourishing foods. 
Movement.
Laughter with friends. 
Stillness.

And, I also tune into what makes my jaw clench and my heart rage. 

These signals serve as motivation. And motivation inspires action. 

Then, I get still again to hear the wisdom that aligns action with my highest, best self. 

Please (re)-read the quotation up above. It says a lot.

♥️,
~ m

P. S. Watch for this year’s Winter Solstice Yoga Event! 
Details coming soon 🙏🏽