We are conditioned to figure everything out. Everything needs a reason or a justification. Is this big enough for a good cry? Everything needs a thought or explanation attached. But sometimes, the body simply needs something, and our mind has no place in the matter.
Read MoreThe immediate reaction to anything painful is to get out. Stop the pain. End the suffering. We can hop out of the pain in several ways. If a person hurts you, you can get into a fight. You can lash out or create drama. You can use alcohol or drugs to numb. You can take naps (nothing against naps). You can shop, eat, or talk to yourself endlessly about all the reasons you are right and they are wrong.
Read MoreIn yoga, befriending the body means accepting all its parts, forming a healthy relationship, and loving the body you were given. It also means listening to your body when something uncomfortable comes up, or when your intuition tries to get your attention. Befriending the body means learning how to listen, how to trust, and how to compassionately heal.
Read MoreA painful past can keep us stuck, and can feed our story that we are undeserving, or that the other shoe will drop. Holding onto the story is only hurting us, and keeping us from love.
Read MoreSomething more than great photography happened during the shoot, something magical and significant with the mirror, my reflection, and the mask. As we photographed, a sort of other-world energy made itself present. We started to not be able to tell the difference between my reflection and my actual body on the other side. Which one was real? In the photos, it’s hard to tell. Who is looking at who?
Read MoreIt’s shocking how we can use busyness to cope with stress in our culture, which only compounds the problem. Sitting still is scary because we are forced to actually feel our emotions and notice any thoughts that arise. It is ok to put off your to-do list, your yard work, or organizing of the house. It is ok to practice the ultimate self-care and sit still. It is ok to enter the brave work of being silent and tuning in.
Read MorePlank might be the most profound and effective pose in Yoga. Seriously! The pose has taught me so much about my body, my mind, and life itself, it’s almost crazy. Not only does Plank Pose give you the most benefit to your core, your point of strength, and yes, your defined abdominal muscles, a regular Plank practice will bring deep insight into what goes on in your mind when you’re up against a wall. Do you stay, and adjust? Do you lie down, and give up? Do you blame or yell at yourself?
Or, do you find out what you’re capable of?
Read MoreI do believe the body can be a catalyst for healing, especially if your body has been a source of pain or abuse. When we punish the body, we punish our Self. And this can only be determined through our intention. The act of eating ice cream is not unhealthy, but the story behind it is. Running is not unhealthy, but the story behind it is. Our bodies will oblige us. What are we telling them?
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