Cultivating Inner Light
About 3 months ago I began attending 2-3 classes a week at Bhava, an Anusara Yoga studio here in Albuquerque. I had practiced and taught Anusara at Yoga Oasis from 1998-2004, but had chosen an Ayur-yoga teacher when I moved to Albuquerque. A few months after that teacher moved away, I found myself chanting the Anusara invocation when I sat to meditate; eventually I figured “Why not go to a class?”
It has been inspiring to witness my body re-learn the principles of alignment, loops and spirals, and tantric philosophy underlying Anusara Yoga. I can feel myself getting stronger and my body realigning itself to carrying more light similar to the way it did years ago when I first started practicing this form of yoga. Years ago, however, I came face-to-face with a lifelong depression when I started doing yoga, my being’s way of clearing me out to carry more light.
This week I decided to give myself a yoga retreat right in the middle of my life – a class every day for three weeks allowing one day off each week if I really needed a rest.
It has been amazing to witness how quickly my body has adjusted to this – it really likes to be used! Yet even more amazing is the change in my mood. I am much calmer. Very little seems to upset me. I am laughing more, connecting with others, and generally being in the world with a clarity and steadfastness that allows for an abundance of inner and outer freedom. I’m noticing a greater ability to be with what is – the fullness of love, abundance, creativity, and friendship.
I’ve also noticed that after morning classes with Bea, I am often inspired to come home and write blog entries. The creativity just flows – often stimulated by the theme she chooses for class. This morning, the theme was prakasha – inner light, clarity.
Curious how much brighter my inner light is when I am doing a regular, challenging yoga practice in community with others. I am able to offer my gifts more fully to the world. I am able to be with what is with clarity and contentment. My coaching clients benefit for sure, but so does my partner, the people with whom I share the yoga space, and even the people I interact with at the grocery store!
My challenge to you today: Start a practice or activity that cultivates your inner light!
Thanks for reading!
