I was so fortunate this past Saturday to be invited to teach in a wonderful yoga studio in Kibbutz Evron in the North of Israel. The environment invites one to slow down, take a deep breath and release stress. We were a group of 6 all looking for a way to deepen our practise, both in yoga and our awareness. We realized that our intention to practise was a good place to begin. How we organize ourselves, was secondary to the desire to take some time to be with ourselves. Reflecting some more, we were conscious of how many times during the day we can really afford to take in order to connect inward to the deep stream of prana that flows unrestricted. Whether in our gardening, our tending the chores, our breaks we take from our routines, we have some time during the day where we can be with ourselves. After studying yoga for some years, practising asanas, pranayama and directing awareness to breath during these practises, the shift to keep our awareness steady during our everyday life activities become that much more available to us and simplified. It doesn't mean that we aren't responsive to our environment, or that we don't feel in reaction to others, it is quite the opposite. Much of the noise is reduced so that we are more focused on the immediate moment at hand. We are quieter and more in tune with the information that is given us and we are more able to be honest, real and compassionate. So much of what gets in the way of enjoying our lives are the voices within us that have been learned from others. These voices seem like our own, but in fact they were given to us. We can observe them, realize they are a part of us, but not us, we can release ourselves from their power. We can substantially change our struggle and be free to act and express ourselves in real time without censorship. I wish you all to make and take some free time for yourselves to explore the wonders of YOU!
