Creating an Upward Spiral.

Whenever we want to create something new in our life, it is the small, consistent actions that add up to sustainable change and manifestation. For example, if you criticize yourself for failing to live up to an imagined standard of perfection, you are only perpetuating a feeling of negativity and anxiety. For me, the major steps I take toward positive change happen slowly, over time. It is a gradual, organic process that cannot be rushed. If I fall into the trap of self-criticism and negative thinking, I am only undermining my progress. I have to remember to be mindful and aware of my actions, thoughts, and emotions, while also being gentle and honest with myself.

If you want to create an upward spiral of inspired, positive change that brings more joy, creativity, and playfulness into your life, all you need to do is decide to be happy now. Not in the future when everything is perfect, or when you have a loving relationship or a new career. There is not going to be an external event or situation that will bring you perpetual satisfaction because everything is in a constant state of change. However, you do have control over your thoughts and feelings. When you dig deep and get honest with yourself, you begin to awaken to the eternal truth that nothing outside of yourself will ever make you satisfied forever.

To be happy, in any situation, is a conscious decision to shift from thoughts of fear and anxiety to positive feelings of creativity, fun, harmony, compassion, gratitude, and playfulness. We cultivate these loving feelings from an open heart space because we know the truth that we deserve to be happy now. And we continue to make the conscious decision to move in the direction of what makes us feel the greatest joy, the greatest feelings of openness, compassion, and expansion. It is a continual process that demands our present moment awareness and mindfulness of our internal state.

Choose to Create an Upward Spiral.

– Get clear about your thoughts, desires, and intentions. How can you create more joy and bliss in your day to day life? What makes you laugh, play, and lose track of time?
– Move in the direction of your bliss by taking more time for those things that create positive feelings. A walk in nature, an hour at the gym, a nap, or cuddling with your loved one can shift your emotions in alignment with love.
– Make an action plan to consistently take time for your own self-love, care, and healing. Think of this as non-negotiable time to give back to yourself and recharge your energy. Put it into your schedule, and know that it is not selfish to indulge in your well-being.
– Use small actions to bring more love into your life and open your heart to receiving more abundance, peace, and feelings of joy.
– Know that you deserve to feel happy now.

Shine on!

The Yoga Guarantee.

Last night my yoga teacher said, “If you practice yoga every day, each pose will feel great and you will feel amazing. This is my yoga guarantee.” 

When you are first starting to practice yoga, it can be an internal struggle. Some poses will feel great and others will not flow so well. You might notice that your body is open and flexible, or maybe there are parts that feel tense, but there is a certain place where you can ease and lightness in each posture. Yoga is not about being flexible or contorting the body into a specific shape. It is truly about the breath and the awareness you bring to each pose.  How does this pose feel? Can I breathe deeply, fully, and comfortably here? If the breath becomes short, shallow, or forced, that is the body’s way of saying, back off a little. 

The more you practice, the more you learn to breathe deeply and foster a state of present moment awareness of everything that is going on internally. What is your mind doing? How is your body feeling? Do you feel open and light or tight and tense? Also, it is important to keep in mind that the line of sight follows the lines of the body in each pose. This means that if the body is radiating toward the sky, such as in Reverse Warrior or Extended Side Angle, the eyes softly and gently turn toward the sky as well. The eyes are the means of focusing the body, which is why it is important to focus on a steady point in each pose in order to still the mind and body. Allow the eyes to be focused on a point but also to be gentle and comfortable. This will come with practice.

The Yoga Guarantee is yoga will teach you how to breathe deeply and help you become more aware of your body, the internal dialogue in your mind, and your own thoughts, feelings, and desires. Yoga creates self-awareness.  It is a meditative experience that requires nothing more than a willing mind. It is a beautiful and graceful dance with the divine. The practice is a devotional one that will bring you more in touch with your true self. It is a spiritual path above all else. If you are ready, yoga will beckon you and you will heed its gentle call. When you are ready, you will awaken to your divine potential.

 

Perpetual Transition.

Every moment and experience is an opportunity to awaken to our infinite potential. When we spend time in nature or dwell within the solitude of the still mind, we begin to realize the nature of reality. Our hearts open and we allow our experiences to penetrate and shatter our conceived notions of what our existence is all about. Most people do not wander far enough into their being to realize the truth of their own divine nature. It is difficult. It not a quick-fix, but a devotional, life-long path of metamorphosis. It is challenging and uncomfortable to bring our unconscious patterns to the conscious mind. Growth and transformation require us to be flexible and open enough to move beyond what we believe is possible.

To be on the spiritual path is to be in a state of perpetual transition. Everything is moving, shifting, and transforming, from the cellular level to the greater cosmos. The illusion of permanence is the greatest cause of our suffering and turmoil. When we realize for ourselves that everything is in a constant state of change, we can release our attachments to relationships, experiences, and the accumulation of material possessions. We realize that these things were never ours to begin with, and we are no longer sad or upset when they are taken away. Everything in the physical world may appear permanent, unchangeable, eternal. This understanding is a fatal flaw and the source of immense suffering when our attachments are taken from our hands. A romantic relationship or a fulfilling job ends. An era of our life is over, and it is gone forever. The key is to accept things as they are, and to look deeper into what we believe to be true. Everything feels like it will be here forever, but what we discover at a subtle level is that the material world is not predictable or permanent. It is a mere illusion, like a dream. Therefore, when we grasp on to things that appear to be real, we are devastated when they change.

Align with cosmic energy that is in an eternal state of change. Stay flexible, open, and grounded in your inner wisdom. Believe and trust that everything will turn out exactly as it should. We don’t have to be attached to our experience. We can learn to watch life as it comes, goes, and changes. We can be the witness, the conscious mind which is reflected in the outer 3-D reality. Nothing can stay the same forever. When we can inquire into the true nature of reality, we can shine a light on the cause of our suffering.

Radical Self-Expression

One of the principles of Burning Man is Radical Self-Expression, which “arises from the unique gifts of the individual.” This is a powerful concept in itself. I wonder what the world would be like if all of us were no longer bounded by societal norms and pressures to conform. I am imagining a world in which everybody feels safe, supported and loved, so they can leave behind all fears associated with fully expressing their authentic self. Radical Self-Expression is connected to Radical Self-Love. All of us create the meaning of these ideas that personally resonates with us.

To embody Radical Self-Expression is to fully accept and love ourselves as we are now, and to depend on our inner strength and resiliency to share all facets of our being with others. The world needs us to shine and share our love without fear of rejection or condemnation. In this moment, we can choose freedom by acknowledging the thoughts and anxieties around Radical Self-Expression. Next, we can bring the light of consciousness to these fears through meditation, journaling, and cultivating the mindset of the observer, the silent witness. Here, we realize that these fears may be unfounded. The truth is we will always be loved and supported by extending unconditional acceptance to ourselves and others. Giving others permission to fully express their authenticity allows you to express yourself to the fullest capacity.

I practice Radical Self-Expression by being gentle and honest with myself, including my desires. I give myself the space I need to meditate, be still, and connect to my inner self, where I am constantly refilled and refreshed with infinite love. Radical Self-Expression is finding a safe and supportive atmosphere to shine my heart brightly. I express myself through ecstatic dance, losing myself in the rotation of the hoop and the flow of yoga. Another way for me to express myself without words is by being vulnerable and allowing others to see me as I am. Looking at somebody deeply in their eyes and smiling is a way to be vulnerable. I also establish connections by extending full love and acceptance to others.

Think of a way that you can bring Radical Self-Expression into your life and make it happen! It starts with loving-kindness, acceptance, and consciousness. Vulnerability is part of it so allow yourself to be vulnerable, with the knowledge that you will be supported and accepted.

Shine On.