In the current ‘wellness movement’ there is much focus on being ‘positive.’ Does your BS meter go off when you hear this? Mine sure does. Why? We hear this all the time but no one tells us what that really means.
Let’s ask ourselves. Why are we taking part in the practices of Yoga and meditation? Do we know why? Yes, we calm down, we feel more grounded and balanced. The energies of anxiety and stress can dissipate beautifully…but for how long? Here’s the thing – the REAL work when participating in these practices goes much deeper – we are also working with what triggers us and what is coming up during these practices. That’s where the magic happens.
The triggers and uncomfortable feelings as we ‘try’ Yoga and meditation are coming up to be seen and acknowledged in our awareness – not suppressed or buried even further. However, sometimes these practices are ways to distract and keep us occupied. We have so much opportunity to really heal if we give ourselves the chance.
When we allow the deeper ‘stuff’ to arise,
we discover what we are dealing with
and can ourselves heal long-term.
As impatience, anger, or even pain arises during these practices we can look at our truths and not push them down and smile. It’s much more than just saying: ’I’m calm now” – which by the way is an awesome aspect. This feeling of calm might be the case in the moment, however, have we have resolved or actually healed what has arisen? We were taught from a young age to sweep things under the rug and avoid pain at all costs. When you discover what you are really dealing with – in this calm state you can begin to see, feel and hear, pay attention to these inner things that come up. This is where the healing begins. We need to look at our ‘shadows’ – all the icky stuff we avoid.
Let me ask this questions again. Are we using yoga and meditation to really explore who we truly are? Are we ready to to start changing our external world by looking inside of ourselves? Internal awareness allows us to change the external world; the microcosm to the macrocosm.
We can keep medicating ourselves with positivity and the little tricks out there, but is it really taking us to where we want to go? We need practices that sustain us over the long-term.
I love to share this: “Question everything? Do your own research? Go deeper and deeper than you eve have before. We are in the muck of it right now – let’s take the time to be aware and conscious of whatever shifts, changes or growth is essential for us at this time on this planet.
Be kind and compassionate with yourself as you move through any practice you bring into your life. And get the support when you need it – wise counsel from friends you trust and professional counsel is beneficial to support your growth.
Witness, observe and allow your truths to arise.
Live the life you were intended to live.
Here is an interesting quote I wish to share once again from Mary Elizabeth Mason:
“You can only go as high as you go low.”