Growing or Decaying
One of my yoga teachers once said that we are either growing or we are decaying. That has had different meanings to me over the years, but none as poignant as this last year.
The changes over the last 12 months, fear of the unknown, all the challenges we’ve experienced, and the complete change of almost all of our routines, previously planned events and trajectories send us more in the direction of decay or disintegration?
I am reminded that transitions are happening all the time. Some so simple we might not even notice. Others can be quite challenging. Morning to night. Winter to spring. Childhood to adulthood. Seated to standing. Forward bends to backbends. Change in our routines of how things are, what we usually do, what we think we know.
The last year year has rocked many of our comforting routines. Our work. Our connections and community. Our comings and going’s. Where and how we practice yoga. Transitions we thought were challenging have a new perspective as we attempt to welcome even more new changes.
I’m aware that I prefer to step toward growth when I perceive that I have control. Under preferred circumstances. Possibly a fairly common human condition? One of the greatest and most challenging yogic teachings is impermanence or Anitya. It refers to the idea that suffering does not last, but neither do the routines and material comforts of life. So as much as we want to hold to certain things, our ideas, our plans, they will all eventually change. The illusion that we have control is just that-an illusion. And, as a result, one of my feelings from this last year that I’m also acutely aware of is the feeling of stagnation. Waiting. Sitting. Restlessness. Decay?
For me, welcoming change, transitions, new experiences, and growth are made easier when I have a steady connection to the places within myself that are unchanging. This is one of the main reasons I return again and again and again to my yoga practice. Our breath, our body, a set of routines, and even morals and values point the way to unchanging steadiness, to an inner ground, to a feeling of unmessable stability...even amidst what can feel like the hurricane of life around us. So, we can step forward into the new experiences life is offering with open palms and great willingness to create anew with what’s currently being offered. Growth?
One of the ways I’m stepping into growth right now that is truly filling my heart is to be a mentor to teachers interested in deepening and growing their own teaching skills with my teacher Janet Stone in both her 200 and 300 Hr online training programs. In addition, I’ve also been invited to teach in the first ever CorePower 300 Hr teacher training that is also being offered online now as well.
This week, I'm also stepping in the direction of new outdoor in-person classes alongside a few new and continued virtual classes as well-see below for details. Plus, we begin the Heart and Soul of Yoga - 5 Weeks with the Niyamas next week. So, please check out my new schedule and pop in when it's right for you!
I miss you very much! And hope to see you outside and in person, online in the flow, in the teacher trainings, or in my Niyamas program or one of my many other offerings. Plus, I’d just love to know what you’re doing to keep growing too?! If you wanna respond and let me know-would be so great to hear from you,
With love and gratitude,
K
