Belonging
Belonging is not something granted externally—it is a state of returning to yourself first
Sutra 1.2 - Yogah Citta -Vrtti-Nirodhah:
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
I know, you read this and go…huh?
That is ok, let me break it down for you. This is one of the most fundamental sutras in yoga, one that I think about regularly when I am about to teach a yoga class and think about my students showing up each day.
The way I think about it is this; when I get on my mat, I quiet the noise in my mind and I can access healing. That quiet space allows me to find a bit of me that has been missing in the chaos of my life and I have a greater capacity to WANT to be there for myself.
It feels so damn good!
Being there for myself means that I will have the capability to show up for my kids and husband, or my friends who need some extra love and support.
When we give ourselves the opportunity to practice, whether in a class or alone at home we give the opportunity to belong to ourselves. I know that sounds so very cliche and cheesy, but it is real.
For example, as a mom I run around more than I don’t. Yup, most of you moms and dads are going to relate to the endless hours at sporting events, riding in the car, making food…and then making more food, and even the relentless routines of bedtime, teeth brushing, homework, and chores. That fatigue is so real, as I type I can actually feel it in my body…do you?
Think about those sensations in your body as you think about ALL that you do in one week…or lets be honest…in one day! I know that when I do I can actually feel the tiredness in my core.
None of those things involve taking care of YOUR needs or desires. Is that bad? Honestly, I do not think so, I think that your kids and partners are important in your life and being there for them is really important.
You are an awesome human in their life and they have the honor of being with you.
But, the more time you spend away from yourself you begin to lose yourself. What do I mean? The crankies show up, we become more short fused, or even shut down. Sometimes this happens before we even realize it. That disconnection from your needs is beginning and it feels terrible! Then your family does not want to be around you as you are not the awesome human you thought you were in that moment.
This is typically when disconnection leads to disruption, battles, arguments, and all the things that make us feel “less than” as humans with the important people in our lives.
This sutra reminds me, very simply, that returning to my practice helps me get back to me.
That awesome human I want to be.
Time is going to get the best of you. Overwhelm is going to set in, probably on a daily basis and we can for sure be there to handle those challenges. We will do even better for ourselves if we support ourselves first.
Your challenge - do something truly good for yourself. Not going out drinking, or binging on popcorn (although it is very tempting and probably enjoyable at the moment) I am talking about the HARD good stuff. Come take a yoga class with me. Go for a hike ALONE or head to the beach ALONE and sit quietly taking in the water, the sand, the wind, and in that moment you are practicing and taking care of yourself…this CAN be your yoga!
Need help? Here is when I am teaching locally if ya need a push!
Join me on Friday mornings at 8:00 am for Subtle to Strong Yoga at Washburn Meditation Center!
Join me starting Saturday June 7th for Subtle to Strong Yoga at Moss and Stone Yoga in Bayfield!
This can get you started!!
I adore you all!
Hugs + Love!
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