There is so much going on in the world right now that we can't rely on routine or familiar choices without really examining how what we do impacts our lives and the lives of others.
This brings to my mind the practice of mindfulness in a way that I am consciously making choices that are sustainable for myself and rooted in non-harm or as the yogis call it, the practice of ahimsa.
Doing no harm is multi-layered. Sure we don't want to physically harm ourselves, but we also need to consider the impact of things on our energy and our mental/emotional states as well. Will this make me stronger, safer, healthier, more flexible, and more balanced?
This is totally what I expect to do for myself and you to do for yourself on your yoga mats. But our yoga practice is a solitary thing - even if we are in a practice with others at the same time. What makes this more complicated is that we live in community with others. Maybe you live alone, but you have to interact in the world driving, shopping, dining out, etc. We have to then think more broadly to the impact of our actions on not only ourselves, but those around us and those to follow.
I know this can illicit a cringe that comes with feeling like we are walking on eggshells, but I am not talking about going to an extreme. I think it begins with opening thought and consideration to how will what I do impact those around me. If I suddenly decide to swerve over to make an exit that I didn't calculate correctly, I will get to the exit. Convenient for me, but what about the car I cut off? What about passengers in my car? Am I being convenienced at the expense of others?
Sometimes when we think about only ourselves, we fail to see the multitude of options available. When I am in "Me Me Me Mind" I am driven by my ego. I only see what I am driving at which limits me to that one thing. If strip off the I, Me, Mine out of that desire, I can see a bit more broadly and can consider a wider scope of options - which may be better in the long run. And of course, slowing down allows you to see things better too.
When we are in a narrow, self centered place, we tend to see one or two options. My teacher, Cyndi Lee, says, "There's always a third option."
So this week, I am focusing my practice and teaching on the consideration of options. I will be examining what comes to mind as obvious, but then mindfully looking for a third option and then choosing what to do with the parameters of ahimsa - doing no-harm in a scope larger than myself. What does that mean? I will make choices that don't lead to injury of myself or others. I will consider the impact of my choices - If I overdo it, I can't fully participate in life at my house and that impacts my family. It plays into their days and that impacts the days of those they are in contact with. It's a ripple.
So the mantra this week is,
Know Your Options.
Consider the Impacts of Your Options.
Make Good Choices.
***********
This is a reminder that I am providing choices for you to maintain your yoga practice and studies with me. I am offering In Person Classes, Live Stream Classes, On Demand Classes and Online Programs to help you practice in a way that benefits you. With the rise in developing strains of Covid, I will maintain multiple channels so you can make good choices. Please be aware that the rising Covid cases has changed policy for the In Person Classes - you should be wearing your masks as you move through the Cultural Center. I strongly recommend that you only attend In Person Classes if you are fully vaccinated and haven't been exposed to anyone with Covid or you are not experiencing an Covid symptoms yourself. If you are not vaccinated, or exposed to someone with Covid symptoms, then you can choose to Zoom the In Person class from the safety of your home.
**********
I have one update for classes this week.
1. On Monday, August 9, ALL CLASSES are cancelled. I will be returning from a trip to DC that weekend. That should be the last schedule disruption for a while.
I look forward to seeing you on Live Streams and In Person this week!
Peace, Love and Summer's Fire!
Andrea
Below are the reminders of what is going on and coming up!
Need to see past reminders? Go to my website and access Links to previous newsletters on my Links page!
