What Makes You Come Alive?

As we continue to explore the theme of balance in our yoga practice (and in life) I often turn to nature for guidance.

During this season, nature around us does seem to get quieter, especially as a blanket of snow covers the earth- a reminder of the importance of quiet and rest in our own lives to restore and conserve our energies.

At the same time, there is also a sense of aliveness- the sun sparkling on ice droplets hanging from bare branches, the exhilaration of cold snow scooped up into bare hands, or the crispness of air breathed in on a winter's morning. A reminder too, that we can always find this within ourselves.

Aliveness isn't simply keeping busy or putting in time. It has purpose and meaning- and it makes you feel alive- energized, creative, stimulated, excited. Maybe you're lucky and experience this in your work, inside and/or outside the home. Or maybe it's something else, like spending time with a grandchild, enjoying a physical activity, or engaging in an intellectual or creative pursuit. You don't have to 'be good at it'. I'm far from a great cook, but when I chop vegetables, knead the flour for my bread, or slowly stir a simmering soup, I feel alive in every way- whether the recipe turns out- or not.. :)

Coming to the mat, slowing down the busy mind and cultivating awareness within us is often helpful in bringing forth the passions that are just waiting to be invited into our lives.

We're never too young or too old to dream about what makes us come alive- and then move in the direction of making those dreams come true, even if it's baby steps. What we gain from it, can also be a gift to others, as we offer our joy of life into the world.

This is a quote that says it best:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

― Howard Thurman

What makes you come alive?

Namaste. _/l\_

"You Rest Now"

As we continue to explore balance in our lives- on and off the mat- I'd like to share something I learned a few weeks ago at a workshop that helped me look at balance in my own life. Here's a brief summary of the day..

First we were asked to take an inventory of what was really important in our lives, in a big picture kind of way. Those things that at the end of a life you would really like to stand out. As you can imagine,  having a new car, or a nicer house didn't really make the top ten. :)

Then we reflected on how much time, energy and effort we actually put into those “important things”. That proved to be a little humbling as the action didn't always line up with the priority. It's interesting to notice where our time really goes in the course of a day- a week- a year..

Next, we considered what might be getting in the way of keeping those important things from being front and centre in our lives. Sometimes it was the distraction of the computer, sometimes fear or indecision. There are a myriad of ways that life gets in the way.

But given some time and reflection, it was possible to see these things clearer- and even find our way back to that sense of purpose and meaning that makes the difference in living a full life.

It was a very worthwhile day for many reasons. But one of the best parts was actually giving myself permission to slow down long enough to reflect on these things. Not just for a few minutes, but for the best part of the day.

 For many of us, it's hard to slow down pause and 'think' about our lives. We live in a culture that doesn't always value this kind of quiet introspection.We're very programmed to be 'doers and not day dreamers'. And although this is important in living rich and productive lives- it is also important to have the balance of rest- to be 'unproductive'. This is a time where we can regenerate, and heal, a time to come back to the place of quiet from within. The place of deep wisdom and peace. The place of balance.

In our yoga practice, it is also a time of entering into the quiet of our beings. Linking breath to movement, moving slowly from pose to pose, finding resting in Savasana.

May you find that time in your life to rest, to just be. It may be one of the most productive things you  ever do...

Namaste. _/\_

“You rest now. Rest for longer than you are used to resting. Make a stillness around you, a field of peace. Your best work, the best time of your life will grow out of this peace.” Peter Heller

The Wisdom of Autumn

"Autumn. . .
makes a double demand. It asks that we prepare

for the future--that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping.

But it also asks that we learn to let go--to acknowledge

the beauty of sparseness".

Bonaro W. Overstreet


photo by forestimages.com

The Balancing Act

As we begin a new session of classes at Spanda,  I'm reflecting on the changes that are happening as we move into late fall with winter just ahead.

In some ways, this is the season that prepares us for 'the big sleep' from January to March. The days are getting shorter, many of the animals are beginning their hibernation, the plants are beaming dormant- even the birds seem quieter these days.

And yet this also a season where many of us experience a time of heightened busyness- even frenzy-with Christmas reminders everywhere.
Yikes.

So how do we balance the need for quiet, rest and maintain the energy to juggle all the balls in the air that come with living our unique lives? It's not easy, but there are things that can help. Yoga can be one of them.

When we take the time, even a few minutes a day, to dedicate to a practice of breath, of awareness, of slowly moving your body into poses that open the energy channels, something can shift deep within us. It may be subtle, but it's unmistakeable. The chatter of our minds begins to settle, our muscles start to relax and let go, and there is a sense of returning home to that place where it's just a little easier to find some balance, on-and off- the mat.

Just a few minutes.. to come home to ourselves.
It just might be worth it.

Namaste. _/\_



"No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, for 'we' are the only thinkers in our mind. When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we find it in our lives."
Louise Hay

What's In a Name?

Welcome to my first post on Om Sweet Om!

I chose this title, because I have always believed that yoga is about coming home to oneself and returning to the quiet centre of wisdom that we all have deep within us. Even when we find ourselves far away from that- it is possible- always possible- to find our way back. It is a place of refuge, of comfort. An unmistakably knowing 'we are home.'

In this blog I am excited to have the opportunity to share some of the reflections I've received throughout my journey in yoga, as a teacher, and a lifelong student.

Soon I will be embarking on the next step in my journey, and am excited about sharing this with you.
Please stay posted, and come along with me....

Namaste.
 _/\_ Nancy