Strong and weak exist together and we tend to that mix whether we know it or not. We are strong where we lean in with our attention and energy. We become weak in what is not getting attention. It's like a garden - do you give attention to taking care of the flowers or the weeds? The weeds grow strong easily.
Not everything can be strong always at the same time. It’s just not possible, though we may think we can somehow prove that wrong. Our attention cannot be everywhere at once and effectively strengthen anything.
Each day, each moment we can assess what we need and practice flexing and strengthening the muscles of our attention and energy where we need it the most.
It’s not easy. It takes being in the present moment - seeing what is really here without the stronghold of the past and the fantasy of the future.
To keep on track, we must be able to keep returning to the present moment and to work through the obstacles of habits, confusion and weakness. It takes work, but we can develop the muscles of returning to ourselves, so we can develop the muscles and strength of supporting what we really need.
Sometimes there are little alarms that go off and pull us back into this moment. My teacher, Cyndi Lee, calls them ‘dots of awareness.’ A dog barking. A tea kettle going off. The squak of a bird. The scent of something burning in the kitchen. These all jar us out of the past and future and put us here now, reminding us to be here now.
So this week, take some time to be present and get clarity of what you need to focus on to be stronger for yourself. Notice the dots of awareness and practice returning and returning and returning to the present. As this gets stronger, you will become stronger in the things that support your path forward.
Let these words Masaru Emoto, in Secret Life of Water inspire you to work on the muscles of being present - because that’s where you are your clearest.
“If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong.”
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The Live Stream schedule is evolving with changing schedules of attendees. Deep Stretch and Gentle Soothing Yoga no longer have viable attendance. I am willing to put Gentle Soothing Yoga (which includes some deep stretching) it back on the schedule if I can get a reasonable number of students committed to attending. I am proposing Monday at 10 am. With me moving to more and more in person classes over the next several months, it makes sense to consolidate Live Stream Classes to Mondays and Wednesdays at this time. I want to hear from those interested in Gentle Soothing/Deep Stretch so I can find a mutually acceptable time for this class. Please email me at AndreaDyerYoga@gmail.com and tell me what works for you.
I will keep the Live Stream Ashtanga classes on Mondays and Wednesdays and possibly start those classes at 8 am or 7:30 am. Restorative practices (Yin, Gentle Soothing and Deep Stretch) with lots of props make sense staying in the Live Stream channel as it is not easy to haul props to an in person location. I will maintain two active flow classes - Monday Flow on Mondays at 6pm and I will move Slow Flow to Wednesday evenings at 6 pm. provided they maintain acceptable attendance.
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So the mantra this week is, "Return to this moment, again and again." Enjoy the journey!
Peace, Love and Summer's Fire!
Andrea
Below are the reminders of what is going on and coming up!
Drop in for July In Person Classes!
August Classes - Tuesdays and Thursdays are open for registration!
