Summer Solstice Mantra

Happy Summer Solstice! The summer season is upon us, and is marked by the longest day of the year. Tomorrow we will receive sun, sun, sun, and more sun! Shining down upon us, late into the evening. The culmination of our growing light from winter, through spring, coming to it's apex. We have traveled, explored, rearranged, reawakened, and opened ourselves up to receive this enlightenment. To receive this long day, filled with celebration. Filled with joy, laughter. The light pours over us, covering us in it's glory. Giving us the utmost time to enjoy, to live freely in jubilance. 

So set yourself free, if not always, at least tomorrow! Let the light in, let it seep into your bones, into your soul. Let that richness and fullness cover you head to toe. And then share this light. Share your light. 

Summer Solstice Mantra: I am a being of light and love. I receive freely, openly, and playfully. I am the truest form of myself, and my authenticity and uniqueness shines. I bask in the sun, in the shining light. I bask in the universes' unwavering support. I feel whole. I feel connected. I feel open. I feel radiant. I celebrate the journey that brought me to this glorious summer day. I am a catalyst of light and love. 

Off the mat

Just for now, allow a wave of breath to enliven your experience. 

Breathe out whatever blocks you from the truth. 

Just for now, be boundless, free, awakened energy tingling in your hands and feet. 

Drink in the possibility of being who and what you really are, so fully alive, that when you open your eyes the world looks different, newly born and vibrant, just for now. 

- Danna Faulds

How do you feel when you practice yoga? Are you present in the moment and notice the clearing of the mind, the lift in your mood, the ooey gooey good feeling when you release down in savasana? 

Do you wait for the next asana, or are you free in your thoughts, boundless in your body, enjoying this exact moment?

Do you notice the moment when separation drops away? When body, mind and spirit become one? 

Can yoga not only teach you and give you these feelings on the mat, but also off the mat? My biggest challenge in yoga is practicing it off the mat as well. Knowing that yoga has taught be how to relax, how to live in the moment, how to handle challenging situations. It has taught be to breathe. It has taught me to have an open heart. To do things whole heartedly. To love, love, love, and love some more. 

What has yoga taught you about life off the mat? 

Drop The Control?

Let go of control. Let go of expectation. Let go of that to do list. 

Just let go. 

&

Simply be.

Live in the flow of life. Let things happen, and adapt when they do. If that is hard for you, take this as a challenge, and overcome it (New Years resolution anyone?). Do not try to control every situation. Do not expect a certain outcome. The things in our life happen for a reason and we must learn to accept that. We must learn how to see each situation for what it is. To be present in the moment. Work with what we are given. 

If you do this, you live life more freely, more full of love. 

You understand that life just is, and it will happen whether we try to control it or not....so why add the stress of assumption? 

Let life flow through you, let love come in. 

Let go, let go, let go. This world is filled with light and happiness - if you are to control anything, make it the conscious decision to be happy. Your soul is stronger than you think and you have the power within you to choose happiness. To choose to make the best of every situation. 

I invite you to go out and do just that. Let go of control. Simply let life be, live in the flow of it, and accept all that is. See the beauty all around you. 

Relish in the happiness of this unconditionally loving universe.

(be) graceful

I’ve always loved the word Grace, and the meaning behind it. First off, my name, Nancy, means grace(ful). I chose it to be my confirmation name as well. But the meaning of grace is so powerful, so beautiful.

In the dictionary grace is defined as: (n) simple elegance or refinement of movement. (v) do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one’s presence.

It’s so beautiful. And grace directly relates to our yoga practice. We open to grace when we practice our asanas. We lead with our hearts opened and an attitude of infinite possibility and support. Marianne Williamson says it perfectly...."To open to Grace is to ask that only loving, helpful thoughts remain in our minds, and all the rest be let go.”

Grace & gratitude come from the same latin root, meaning “free.” Grace is an unmerited favor, you do not need to earn it, it is simply there. Just open up and be able to receive. When we receive Grace, we offer our gratitude. Thank you thank you thank you becomes a mantra.

Practicing yoga removes obstructions. We are gifted with free will, the freedom of life. We open ourselves up to Grace. We fill ourselves with the love of gratitude. We realize we are not alone.