‘To be happy, consider,giving away what no longer serves you’ are words I have heard throughout my life from many of the great spiritual masters. There is a long list of what I could, ought to, might, really should…give up but here are a few  I have been working with the past few weeks:

1. Give up the need to always be right. I love this question posed by Wayne Dyer ” Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?” Can I let go of the egotistic “me” and allow the sweet, gentle spirit of compassion to take command? My heart always feels bigger and stronger when I choose kindness, may I listen more to my heart and less to my ego?

2. Give up your need for control. Whoa, allowing..all the time, to be what will be ? not so easy. Fear and Control are hand-holding best friends, big teachers and leaders of my life for many year and it is very difficult for me to let go of either. I set my intention to trust more and assume less.

3. Give up self-defeating self talk. Enough said, this inner critic serves not at all.

The list goes on and I may try on more new ideas as I am able to shed these old beliefs. Seeking compassion for my self and  learning self-love begins with giving up what no longer serves me.

The eve of Easter and the last of the firewood was brought in, 5″ of snow on the ground, songs of robins and I picked last year’s tendrils off the sweet pea vines to line the Easter Basket for Jen Acacia. Winter is loosening its grip and spring is unfolding. Balance of day and night, still time for working outside and getting a long night of rest in the dark. Gentle, small openings are potent.

Call it impermanence, change, new beginnings, death, birth. It is the one universal truth, inescapable.  Widening the field of awareness, deep breathing and remembering “this too shall pass” are helpful tools for navigating the currents of life.

Just home from my Yoga Nidra Intensive in beautiful Marin County and the green, lush countryside of California is replaced by the khaki landscape of the Helena Valley, light rain is now light snow. Recognizing and embracing the opposites in life is a key to the teachings in Yoga Nidra so I smile with the irony of this place I call home. I am thankful for the teachings of Richard Miller at iRest and all of his staff. There’s no place like Om nor another place like Home.

SOARING: A YOGA WORKSHOP WITH KELLY AND KIM

MARCH 18   1-3:30   DANCING LOTUS CENTER , $30

In this workshop we will explore the deeper and more subtle realms of the yoga practice. We will find ways of releasing unnecessary tension and find the support we truly need to expand and enliven our practice. “Life is short, make it wide”, Sai Baba.

To register please call 431-6780. All Levels welcome but space is limited.

There is a lot about the New Year, the new ways of life that open to us if we just “stick by our resolutions” which revolve around weight loss, increased activity and other “get healthy,” resolves. I do feel this is a time of new beginnings, in the north this is the time of year we get to dive deeply within, hunker down, spend time playing with Spirit. I like the yearly renewal of this time, the distillation of the past months churnings, the crystallization of thoughts and feelings. This is winter; this is the time of Grounding.

Kelly and I are teaching a workshop together, Grounding: A Winter’s Workshop, January 15   1 – 3:30 PM, Dancing Lotus Center.

We will play with moving into poses with supported ease. Grounding from the feet, through our core, from the outside in. Pranayama, meditation & restoration.

Full details can be seen here: 3 Winter Workshops

I will be teaching an 8-week Yoga Basics class, Tuesdays, 4 – 5, Dancing Lotus Center, Beginning January 3. Email me for more information or to register: Kim.Schleicher@gmail.com

“I believe some of yoga’s most profound effects on health have to do with its ability to alter long-standing dysfunctional behavior. People often have unhealthy habits of thought and deed that undermine their health—habits they may recognize but haven’t been able to change. In addition to the direct health benefits of asana, pranayama, meditation, and other yoga practices, it’s not uncommon for regular practitioners to start eating better, to cut back on caffeine or alcohol, to quit jobs with unreasonable demands, or to spend more time in nature. Once people become more sensitive to the effects of different actions on their bodies and minds (whether it is practicing alternate nostril breathing or eating huge, fatty meals), they increasingly want to do what makes them feel better.” Timothy McCall, MD

Releasing thoughts of doubt creates an opening for optimism and excitement. We are provided limitless opportunities on a daily basis but we can easily miss them if we are mired in thoughts of doubt and uncertainty. By choosing to consciously release our doubts, we open our minds to all the possibilities that exist for our lives. When doubt overwhelms you, take a moment to be fully aware, allowing and welcoming all of your feelings to be present. Breathe deeply into your courage and trust and step fully into the opportunity presenting itself.