As much as we have all experienced loss, grief and suffering this last year, I am choosing to see the good. I cherish the lessons I’ve learned because they have continued to be the quiltwork that makes me who I am. I believe your own lessons make up who you are too. You can control your perspective and see the strength and growth that it created as much as honoring the hard parts and messy bits. Let’s do that together.
When I’m avoiding my yoga & meditation practice, I really need it the most.
Being still is a struggle for me at times. I like to move quickly and “get it done”. Many days spent working from home meant I spent a lot of time alone this year. Growth isn’t always easy and growing pains are real. Deep down I knew that sitting through the initial few minutes of discomfort on my mat would lead to a clearer mind, a calmer body and a sense of nourishment, and yet I wouldn’t always give myself that. Even going to the grocery store felt uncomfortable for many months. It’s only now beginning to feel somewhat okay again. I’d avoid going to the store and order online whenever possible. However, we can’t avoid discomfort forever otherwise we will never grow. If you know me, you know personal growth is something I strive for and heavily value. This has been my work, to not avoid the discomfort but to take action. I now focus on the positive outcome of my yoga and meditation practice and this makes the first few moments much easier to settle into.
Exploring your own backyard makes you appreciate it more.
In June 2020, IFFDiscover was born with the intention to see the world through the lens of yoga. What started as a 7 day RV tour through Southern Ontario grew into a larger mission to find the hidden gems this province has to offer: try new things, get outside in all seasons, find healing in nature and explore for the joy, fun and adventure of it. We proudly created the Discover Ontario Yoga Series here.
Going for walks, various hikes, soaking up the views, sitting around a campfire, and playing at the beach are a few of the ways I’ve fallen in love with Ontario. I’ve taken the mindfulness tools I’ve learned over the years and brought them with me on these trips. Deep breaths, body scans, moving more mindfully, observing my thoughts, really listening to others and listening without judgment, and doing one thing at a time have been really helpful practices for staying present and lowering my anxiety. It’s a really cool way to take yoga off the mat and into the world. Make it part of your lifestyle instead of just the 45 minutes you spend on your mat during class.
Healing & growth sometimes requires a major call to action.
A global pandemic and BLM movement rocked us all and sparked an enormous call to action whether that was learning, unlearning, reflecting, stepping up, creating space, changing habits, etc. Our earth needs healing. We have a lot to learn from one another to make our time here more inclusive and purposeful. There is still much room for growth. Social media has been an interesting learning tool that has given me the opportunities to read different opinions, follow recommendations for teachers, and open my eyes to the ways I can show up better. Our communities and our home on Earth require consistent love and dedicated support.
Instead of being overwhelmed by a large event or the latest news, I’ve thought about what I can do. Can I donate $5.00? Can I follow and support a social media account? Can I share a post with a few friends to learn alongside me? Can I follow through on my healthy habits so I can keep showing up for others? Can I send a quick message to check-in on someone? Yes to all the above. It’s going to take all of us doing the little things every day. The compound effect. It adds up my friends. Your contribution matters and it feels pretty darn good too.
BONUS: “It’s good to feel good!”
My dear teacher Gabby Bernstein says this often and I want you to start believing it. Part of your contribution is your practice. It brings you home to your wholeness. Your mat allows you to heal and grow too. I want you to feel good in whatever way that looks. Just a little better than yesterday or this morning or last week. Pick up the garbage on the street. Order in from a local restaurant. Call a friend. Do a 10 minute meditation. Drink your water. Wave to a neighbor. You’ve got this. We’ve got this.
I’d love to hear your lessons especially if yoga, mindfulness and/or our community has been a part of them! Share them in the IFF Facebook Community, on Instagram, Facebook or even through email at info@infinefeatheryoga.com
