How many times a day do we hear, say, or do the phrase, “Let it go!”?
So easy to say, so difficult to do.
In leading my yoga classes through relaxation, I often end with the statement, “Letting go into your inner flow.” I heard it in my early days of practice and liked it, though I wasn’t sure what it really meant. It took me a long time to fully understand it’s true meaning and arrive in the moment of letting go into my inner flow.
Once I got it and then felt it, it became an “Aha!” moment for me. But, until then and even sometimes now if I’m honest, I don’t always feel that state of presence as my mind wanders and gets caught on something. Hey, we’re all mere mortals trying to find our way, yes? But now, if I’ve veered off the path, rather than waste my energy being annoyed with myself, I can usually make a quick auto correct to come back into the land of Zen.
But, the question remains - how do we let go?
If only we could arrive at a simple, foolproof formula guaranteed to work every time, think of how much emotional energy we'd save ourselves and those around us. Moments of clarity and presence would arrive, and we’d find ourselves FREE in the moment to fully enjoy Life!
It’s a practice, my friend. A lifelong practice. “Sharpen the saw," says Stephen R. Covey in his The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have – YOU. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Feeling good doesn't just happen. Living a life in balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself. It's all up to you. Just remember that every day provides a new opportunity for renewal – a unique chance to recharge yourself instead of hitting the wall. All it takes is the desire, knowledge, and skill.
Yoga As A Gateway
For me, yoga is my gateway to revitalization.
“Yoga is not about getting to know the postures. It is about getting to know yourself ," writes Viniyoga teacher Gary Kraftsow in an article for Yoga International.
What is the story you’re telling yourself? How do you want to show up in the world?
If you’re still holding onto your story of not getting enough, not being enough, not being loved enough, life is not fair, it’s time to release the past. Projecting worries and unrealistic expectations of the future also rob you of the present moment.
Moving slowly and paying attention to body, mind, and breath creates the magic of integration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual awareness that happens with a regular dedicated practice. It becomes a spiritual practice of renewal every time you surrender to yourself and know that you are precisely where you need to be today. Somewhere along the way, grace guided you here and you realize you are enough. In that instant, you are free to Let Go and Be Happy with your life.
In this month dedicated to love – let go, be kind, and get to know yourself - check out my Spring Renewal Series.
Restorative Yoga | March 9 | 10:00-11:30 am
Restorative yoga is a practice that is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching. During the long holds of restorative yoga, your muscles are allowed to relax deeply leaving you feeling renewed and refreshed.
Finding Balance On & Off the Mat | April 6 | 10:00-11:30 am
Yoga is more than poses. Dive deeper into the knowledge helping you take your yoga off the mat and approach life with calm and balance. This interactive workshop will consist of stretches, breathing techniques, gentle movement and yoga poses followed by a relaxation session.
Step Up Your Practice | May 11 | 10:00-11:30 am
Learn how to take a basic yoga pose and step it up to the next level. Practice at your level, building from basics to an intermediate level when you’re ready. We will end the session in relaxation.
All sessions take place at Christ The King Lutheran Community Center | 1001 West Esplanade | Kenner LA 70065
$30 each or $75 for all three workshops.
All who purchase the full three-workshop series - will be entered into a drawing for a free one-hour private yoga session customized for you. Winner must schedule and complete their private session by May 31, 2019.
All individual workshop participants can purchase a three-private session package at a 20% discount.