Change is Life, Life is Change

 It is befitting that I had stumbled upon this quote. Today, in fact, marks yet another big change in my life. Like others I have faced, this change was of my own doing. A decision I came to after much thought, prayer and open ears to those who surround me with love. It was absolutely not an easy choice though. I wrestled within for a while hoping for a big neon sign or an "ah-ha" moment. I am a believer in the universe speaking to me. Yet this time I felt abandoned by it. No smart passage of a book saying "great choice Becky"! Nothing in a dream I could wake from and feel "wow that was an obvious gentle whisper of approval". No powerful mental clarity. Not a shred of internal absolute. Only hope. Faith. 

 I once read, "Faith and fear cannot coexist." That you can not truly have faith if you are still holding on to fear. That really spoke to me. However I'm wondering now, finding myself in a moment of a certain kind of fear, isn't it possible? I certainly have the faith I need to take this step into the unknown. Giving up control and a bit of the self reliant life I've come to love. At the same time though, recognizing that just a few steps ahead of me there is darkness. A ledge I can't see over. It is like looking into a one-way mirror. Unable to see what is in front of me, just on the other side. Instead all I can see is myself. 

 ALL I SEE IS MYSELF. 

She is apprehensive and cautious and nervous. She is giving up and letting go. She has much to be grateful for yet has still lost a few pieces of herself along the way and now has an opportunity to pick them up again. Of course, that could mean going backwards. Although, I don't know if it's backwards as much as it is forward with a memory of the past fully intact, to be used as a tool for growth. 

The only constant in the world IS change. The very things in this life that scare us will usually be what saves us too!  Maybe the new version of an old favorite should be, "Faith and a healthy fear CAN coexist, as long as you face them with wisdom and love".

 Therefore, taking risks at the mercy of  furthering our self growth. Relying on the impermanence of our lives, so that we will always keep moving and continue walking through these swinging doors that are more fate than happenstance. 

 What I hope is to look into that reflection of myself and feel pride. Acknowledge her doubts and fears, face them and then make peace with the journey. Knowing full well she is still the same strong willed, courageous, self honoring woman. Except now she has more cause to allow life (and others) to cushion any fall. No matter the outcome, make the most on the way there.

 The journey IS the destination. It is an ever changing, ever flowing river that we will look back upon and give thanks. For the current that kept us moving along when we may have been more comfortable with our feet securely rooted in the unassailable muds below.

 "Be the change", Gandhi said.  Yes, and now I say, "let the change be". :) 

What Are Your Intentions Today

With a new beginning on the horizon, I’m finding myself waking every morning with new intentions. Bright beautiful self honoring intentions. I don’t pretend to know exactly what I will be doing or exactly how it will be done. What I DO know however, is I will make it my own! And that, for I'm not sure how long, each day will be authentic to my needs in that moment. No matter what arises or who shows up in my mirror. 

At the very least…my intentions are good! 

For some time now, Ive begun my day stiff and sore. Physically, yes. That is only a portion of the problem though. I believe our bodies are just an extension of our spirits. Stress and discontent within our minds will make victims of our earthly shells. 

Disconnect from ourselves provides an open door for unhappiness and deep routed sadness to slink in like an uninvited guest.  

Harboring resentment will leave marks on our souls.

We are not truly living…living authentically…without finding this connection within. 

It is the morning that we awake with a renewal brewing, a shine beaming that we do not wish to dim, that it begins to all make sense. Turning on to past dreams or selfish needs. Sometimes, when it means being true to what our soul is longing for, selfishness is lovingly accepted. Negative connotations put aside. 

Stay open. Love the fear and embrace the doubt, they are only your inner defense systems revving their engines readying for war. These soldiers keep us from leaving comfort and stability. Allowing us to settle. Lining up one by one; faith, strength and commitment. In front of the firing squad waiting for the flag to be raised. 

We are warriors though! We hold the very weapons to extinguish these inner most demons. 

Imagine if, upon waking each and every day, we took a moment to say "thank you". 

Thank you to the sun rising once again. Thank you for this pillow under my head. Thank you for my beating heart. And for the stiff neck, the limp in my step or the feeling of sadness that sometimes enters my mind because my life may not look exactly how I had imagined. I am still thankful that it is MY moment. Whatever I choose to do with each one I'm given is entirely up to me. 

So this is why I will encourage myself to find this bliss in it all. Whether difficult or easy as breathing (although even breathing at times feels a struggle). I have decided to try and make them all count. 

Because the truth is, i AM thankful! I see the positive in everything I can. I listen for truth and encouragement. I speak with love and compassion. At least i am trying. Giving my best efforts towards peace without negativity within. I do not want to be ill any longer. Diseased by any of the poison that can find its way through our minds, into our bloodstream and pulsate through our veins like raging fire. 

Be bold! Take risks and let nothing extinguish these flames. 

I am ready. Good morning! 

Savasana (or Im Not Actually a Corpse, Im Just Resting My Eyes)

 If you ask an avid yogi what his or her favorite pose is, you'll probably hear (after, of course, "oh I can't choose just one!") a plethora of answers from "warrior one" to "cobra" to "sun salutations" to even "lotus headstand with bound legs"! Go ahead, I'll wait. Check that bad boy out.

 If your anything like me, you will laugh and then return here for a comforting conclusion to this opening paragraph...which is, SERIOUSLY?! Albeit, super fun to look at! Truly, I admire the eager and determined yogi who feels it is upon their path to wholeness to master the seemingly unattainable. 

 For the rest of us, sometimes just getting our mats out and finding time in between work, dinner and those elusive eight hours of shut eye can be daunting enough. However, I am here to say, IT IS of importance! Physically we are a chronic pile of aches and pains. Mentally we need guidance away from the outside world. An escape for just moments even. And oh my, spiritually, we are challenged and tested on a daily basis. Life loves to hand us the pencil and the bubble-in sheets, only to then flip the hourglass granting us just so long before we either rush, making mistakes or give up completely. 

Therefore, my mat is now my little island. A vacation for my aching back. A getaway for the swirling self doubt and insecurities. A rendezvous so the free spirit, the humanitarian and the truth seeker can all play peacefully for a while. 

 My point here is not a solution, a cure or a quick fix. This is how I am preparing to face the days ahead and try to regain focus. Pull the reigns a bit on my personal wants and needs. You can create this space though however you choose. Your yoga mat may look different than mine! 

Head to the top of a mountain!  Drive to where the boats come back in from the sea.  Sit on a sand dune and talk to the bird who has decided you will make fine company for the day. 

As long as you are fully present and you are able to allow whatever healing needs to take place in that moment commence, then you are there! 

 Yoga is more than a fat blaster or a video on the shelf at the health food store. More than a competition. It's intentions are pure and honest and personal. A beautiful balance between mind, body and spirit. It is yours and yours alone. Whether in a quiet bedroom or in a class of 30 other mats, each one is unique. Not one persons practice will be the same. There is peace in that. A harmony for our souls. 

 So, I urge you firstly, to find where YOUR yoga mat is. Say to it earnestly, "I am here. I am thankful for your patience with me. What can we learn from today?" And then BE! Just openly and honestly be in the moment. (I've got much more on that specifically, but that's another day!) 

 If you find yourself on an actual mat (please do, at least some of the times!) then go ahead and try some traditional poses too.

It's true, I like to paint pictures for the sake of fun and friendly writing but, I do very much support the ancient beliefs and fundamental ideals that come from these asanas .

My advice to you, start with MY "favorite" poses: Sukhasana, Balasana and Savasana. 

Gorgeous and fancy, right?! 

 Simply translated they are: seated pose, child's pose and corpse pose. That's right! Sitting still, lying still and curled up in a ball face first on the floor. I don't believe anymore explanation is needed here. Trust me, they're a great place to begin (again)! 

And if during your practice you may or may not have woken yourself by snoring while in deep dedication to your corpse pose...
NAMASTE to you my friend! 

 For more information on the many practices of yoga, follow the link here. If you're looking to further your knowledge in the over 5000 year history of yoga , just head there through my handy dandy link provided! 

Peace and love, groovy children!:)