Thursday, September 8, 2016

Practice to be Present

On my mat this morning, I caught myself shortening my breath so that I could move to the next position. My hurry caused me to miss the goodness of what my body was doing and antagonized my stress. In observing this, I shifted my approach to one of presence. I didn't necessarily slow my movement, but rather slowed my mind and breath to be present with my body.

By removing the on to the next attitude and focusing on the current moment, I found my mind calmed and my body opened more easily. On and off the mat, I've found anticipation removes my ability to fully enjoy the present. Go-go-go mode doesn't seem to get me to my final destination in a good state of mind or any quicker.

Yoga provides an opportunity to observe our behaviors and practice choosing what best serves us and our community. [Tweet This] I'm grateful that my practice continues to open my mind to better engaging my life and hope to share this gift and other holistic techniques with you soon.

Always a Yogi,
Lynn Marie

Friday, September 2, 2016

Rise Up

On my walk to yoga class, I saw a yellow flower reaching for the sky. There was a shift inside me as I thought about rising up. Rising up isn't about being above or being the best. It's about standing tall and being confident in who we are. Rising up is about being our best.

Forgiving ourselves for making mistakes and recognizing the lesson it shares. It's having faith in the goodness of ourselves and the goodness of others. Rising up is taking the time to see the beauty that is around us. Sometimes the goodness and beauty seems hidden, but it's there. With a friend, book or other inspiration, treasures may be discovered with a little attention, objectivity, and reflection… aka presence.
Rise up.
Rise up to eliminate negative self talk.
Rise up and get out of the gossip.
Rise up to see a different perspective.
Rise up to loosen the grip of the past.
Rise up to welcome sweet new beginnings.
Rise up to make choices that support.
Rise up to see the beauty of life in all its ups and downs.
Rise up to lift others.
Rise up.
Add "I" to the front of those statements and you've got an intention to support you in being your best today.

I rise up and hope you will join me.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie