Tag: #mindfulness

Gifts

On By theyogagoat6 Comments
Photo by Oleg Zaicev on Pexels.com

‘Tis the season to be thinking of gifts for those we love. And along with everything else this year, Christmas has a different vibe and we may not get to be with those we love. I have been struggling myself with the idea of meaningful gifts for those I love and ways to spark some holiday cheer. Here are a couple of ideas I came up with:

The gift of a meaningful compliment Do you recall how it feels when someone gives you a compliment that really hits home in your heart? It’s one of the best feelings there is. For many years, I struggled to really hear and take in what people were saying when they paid me a compliment. I did not have the self worth to acknowledge my gifts. Now, I take them in and really feel them. I was given one this week by a dear friend and it brought me to tears at how heartfelt it was. Sincere compliments are the best free gifts there are!

The unexpected gift Is there someone you know that is typically not on your gift list? Why not surprise them with an unexpected gift. My neighbor just recently surprised us with a beautiful cheese board in the shape of a lotus flower. She saw it, thought of me, and it made my day. It’s amazing how it great it feels to receive an unexpected gift.

The pay it forward gift I love the surprise on people’s faces when their coffee or groceries get paid for by the person ahead of them in line. I just saw this week that the longest “pay it forward” chain started on Dec. 3 at a Dairy Queen in Brainerd, MN and lasted 3 full days. The 900 vehicle chain resulted in $10,000 in sales. I sure wouldn’t want to be the person that broke that chain! While we may not be out in public as often these days, the need is real out there. And what a great way to spread some holiday cheer.

Desmond Tutu puts is beautifully in The Book of Joy. “So… our book says that it is in the giving that we receive. So I would hope that people would recognize in themselves that it is when we are closed in on ourselves that we tend to be miserable. It is when we grow in a self-forgetfulness-in a remarkable way I mean we discover that we are filled with joy. In the end generosity is the best way of becoming more, more and more joyful.”

Gratitude

On By theyogagoat4 Comments
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.
~Rumi

I like Rumi’s ancient wisdom. Because for me, Thanksgiving feels much different this year. It’s harder to find things to be grateful for, and might take more of a conscious effort. It may take looking around and noticing even the most basic of things to begin to cultivate that appreciation. Or it might require wrapping yourself in a favorite blanket, holding a favorite mug, or cuddling with a beloved pet to connect to the idea of comfort. Comfort can often become the gateway to the feeling of gratitude.

So, here are some things I am able to feel grateful for once I have donned my gratitude cloak. My family, which has increased by one this year with a new son-in-law. Friends nearby, and those far away that we are connected to via Zoom. My health and the health of those mentioned above. This blog which has been a wonderful outlet for my thoughts throughout this time. My followers and students whose support nourishes me more than they can possibly know.

I hope whatever your circumstances are this Thanksgiving that you can wrap up in your gratitude cloak and be conscious of some of the treasures that surround you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."  
~Thornton Wilder

Let’s Widen Our Circle

On By theyogagoat4 Comments
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“A human being is part of the whole, called by us ‘universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Albert Einstein

This quote is from “Words to Live By, Short Readings of Daily Wisdom” by Eknath Easwaran. The quote feels perfect for the time we find ourselves in. After so much divisiveness in our country, it’s my hope that there can now be healing and understanding. If we can get out of the “optical delusion” of social media maybe we can start dialogues that can widen our circle of compassion.

Stand in your truth

On By theyogagoat4 Comments
Photo by Evelina Zhu on Pexels.com

I had the good fortune recently to spend time with my beloved mother-in-law, Libby. Time with her feeds my soul in a very special way, and she is the impetus for this blog. She said, “Amy, we need people to stand in their truth right now.”

I began reflecting on this after I left her. After arriving home I came across some notes from an online seminar with Judith Lasater and her daughter Lizzie called “Taking Refuge- Finding Peace in the Time of the Virus.” During this talk, the word “overwhelmed” was discussed. We all know the meaning of the word and many of us are feeling that way right now. Judith describes it as being pulled in many directions at once. But, says Judith, it also means disconnecting from ones true self.

My “self” is my highest form of refuge. In this context, refuge is not a location but a connection to your essence, your higher power, or however you define your “inner most knowing.” Refuge is not moving away from what’s happening around you, rather it is running towards what is happening with your own sense of truth. When in doubt, be in your truth and tell the truth as you know it.

What if you aren’t sure what your “truth” is? I suggest taking time for self reflection. Move away from outside stimulus and be quiet. Meditate even if only for 5-10 minutes Take time to not only observe your mind, but love your mind. A dear student sent me this reading recently that speaks to this beautifully:

As She Is
"In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
I realized, through it all, that...
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger - something better, pushing right back. 
 ~Albert Camus

Happy Monday

On By theyogagoatLeave a comment

I’m heading into Monday feeling tall and strong. Let’s practice yoga together. Join me for my public zoom class through Prairie Yoga at 5:00pm CST on Tuesdays. Or reach out to me to set up your own private zoom class. Who do you wish you could practice with? I teach moms and daughters and lifelong friends from all around the country. We can set up your own yoga party! My email is amyluwho2@att.net or https://prairieyoga.org

Wait for the mud to settle

On By theyogagoat2 Comments
Photo by Rakicevic Nenad on Pexels.com
"Do you have the patience to wait
until your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
until the right action arises by itself?"     Lao Tzu



I like the concept in meditation that when we first sit to meditate our minds are like a jar, filled with water and mud, that has been shaken. As we settle in and become quiet, the sediment starts to sink to the bottom of the jar and the water becomes clear. The constant stream of thoughts that normally bombard us begin to slow their assault, and there begins to be a bit of space between those thoughts. Yoking the mind to focus on breath or mantra allows even more sediment to settle.  

Right now it feels as if the cosmic jar has been shaken, and there is significant mud to wade through. Each day it feels like there is another tragedy or event to try to take in and understand. Lao Tau's suggests that in times like these, we do our best to remain patient. Take in the events and feel all that is going on around us, but then wait before reacting. Step away from all media.  Go outside, unplug and be in nature. Sit and just be, and wait for your own mud to settle.  Start with trying this for just five minutes. Let your mind's eye watch the movement of your breath and be still. See if the thoughts begin to slow down.

 I believe the world would be a kinder, more thoughtful place if everyone would spend a few moments a day in meditation.  The mud is always going to be there.  It's up to us how we choose to react to it. 
 
In the words of one of my favorite teachers, Judith Hanson Lasater: 
"May you be like the lotus, at home in the muddy waters."

No, Yes and Wow

On By theyogagoatLeave a comment
Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

I subscribed to a blog for years called Peaceful Daily by Sandy Corso. I have kept one of her posts called “No, Yes and Wow” as a reminder not only for myself, but also for my yoga students. It’s based on the book by Nischala Joy Devi’s called “The Secret Power of Yoga.” The concept is very simple yet powerful, and I think it hits home even more during this pandemic.

“No” is a powerful word. We are saying “No” to a lot right now; to social gatherings, to vacations, and especially to dining out. Saying “No” gives the illusion that one has control over their life. Sometimes “No” is the knee jerk reaction to the unknown. Saying “No” too much can make one fearful and rigid. It can create a heaviness in the heart as well.

“Yes” on the other hand brings a sense of possibilities, adventure and joy. Saying “Yes” opens us up to letting go of control and embracing the unknown. While saying “Yes” and doing it safely is a not as easy, we should all try to say a small “Yes” every day. It can be as simple as trying a new recipe or a new workout routine. While these adventures may be smaller, they can still help lift the heart.

Now to the “Wow.” Saying “Wow” as often and as enthusiastically as possible instills joy and gratitude. This is not the kind of “Wow” that comes easily off the tongue, such as when you have an immediate negative reaction to something. It’s a “Wow”of simple wonder that is almost childlike. It could be something seen in nature or the kind action of a friend. Life is still amazing and we need to keep noticing the wonders around us.

It’s an interesting exercise to notice on any given day how often you find yourself saying “No,” “Yes” and “Wow”. We should notice what too much “No” feels like. Too much “Yes” can be unhealthy as well. And it’s definitely ok to have lots of “Wow.” The trick is finding the balance of the three. It is my hope that you can find a combination that feels right to you.

Written with thanks to Kerry Wekelo who wrote the original blog back in 2012.

Covid observations

On By theyogagoat2 Comments
Photo by Yaroslav Danylchenko on Pexels.com
I like to ride my bike.
I like to cook at home.
I love time with my hubby.
I miss hugs.
I love the library.
Trader Joe's is the best.
I still feel connected to others in zoom yoga class.
Sunlight brightens my mood.
So does being in nature.
Naps, oh yes.
The air fryer is a game changer.
Good neighbors mean even more right now.
It's hard to stay off the phone.
There is a a lot of suffering around us.
Time passes quickly even when you don't know what day it is.
I've forgotten what my clothes are like.
Staying home and wearing a mask cuts down on need for lipstick/lipgloss.
Why can't I remember to not bother putting on aforementioned lipgloss when I know I'll be wearing a mask?
Zoom happy hours are more fun than I thought they would be.
I don't remember living with this much uncertainty ever before.
I feel the love of family and friends more acutely.