Namaste, 2016

Last year I set out to let go of the dark corners in my past, the depression, the disconnection to the world around me. I set the intention to become a better friend and give all that I can: 

"This year I hope to become better at giving all that I can. I hope to achieve a state in my yoga that will allow me to help reach out to others seeking peace and restore their faith in themselves. My deepest wish is for love-- for all beings to feel it engulf them and fill their lives with hope and generosity." 

That wish follows me into this new year, along with these new intentions.

After I stirred from the end of a beautiful New Years practice at the Lotus Pond, I was instructed to write down two things. 

On one notecard, we were told to write something we wanted to let go of that we could throw into the fire outside. On the other, an intention, a daily practice to help fulfill our intentions in the coming year. 

On one card I wrote, "Daily journaling, creating more: paint, music, classes, etc. Make daily intentions." 

And the other I wrote a slew of things I wanted to let go of. I circled certain words that I wanted to be sure the universe read: "Fear, doubt, laziness." I watched the paper burn in the flames, making sure it crumbled and became nothing more than a coal in the fire. I turned and walked away, knowing I am as free as I want to be-- as free as the air feeding the flames.

The intentions, I put in my wallet. Here (in my journal) I plant the seed for this year. 

I will complete my 200 YTT program in February and that alone really sheds light on the changes ahead, on the flowers that may bloom.

Today and every day, I wish all of you the clarity of finding the peace and beauty already within you.

Namaste

Live Your Dream

Happy New Year everyone! It's the year of the sheep!

Some of you may already know that I am a sheep (because quite a few of you are sheep yourselves). Apparently this is going to be our year to push forward and take a big step towards our aspirations. I'm very considerate of the sources on Elephant Journal in this regard but I can honestly feel that all the positive forecasts and such are for real. I've been feeling so many good vibes and I know I probably sound crazy to some of you but the energy around sheep(at least for me) this year is just ripe for change and making but strides towards goals. 

For my western new year resolution I sent out a lot of positive energy and wishes of happiness for all. I did not foresee all the magic of my hopes and wishes for others to come back to me so quickly, becoming my own fuel for courage and love. 

Here I am again, during the eastern new year this time, sending out all the love I can muster to friends and strangers alike (from all signs of the zodiac). We are here to love and I want you to know that I honor this purpose. 

If you are ever in need, I am here. 

Go out and experience what the world has to offer. Drink up the wonder that is all around you. May nothing scare you from sincere aspirations. It may not happen now but know that was does happen now is a lesson or experience leading up to your hopes. You are in control of your destiny. 

Go live your dreams. 

Don Season and Resolving Last Year's Karmic Build

With January gone, western New Year resolutions ringing in our ears, and Valentine's Day kicked to the curb, we find that writing the year 2015 on papers to be just as easy as writing 2014. Yet with this time leading up to the eastern New Year my life has been a whirlwind. I got my period early this month and have come to the realization that I've lacked mindfulness and attention to some important aspects of my relationships. Then it occurred to me that this wasn't the first time I've gotten my period early among other conflicts. 

As a rather avid reader of Elephant Journal, I came across this article on don season (pronounced doan) and I realized that maybe some concepts we think are mumbo jumbo are actually legit. Don season is a time for karmic energies to come to fruition. I don't believe that the occurrences during this don season are from past lives but it seems very likely that it's all the stress and conflicts built up from the past year. It doesn't all resonate during the western new year because it's surrounded by frill and fluff of the western society we live in. When all that calms down and you settle back into regular days, it gives things that have been made obscure by holiday cheer a chance to rise up. 

I've looked deeper into it and I actually agree. 

Parts of your life that seemed to be going fine with just a little challenge actually require necessary attention. While don season is a time for all the negative energy built up to make an appearance, it's also a good time to resolve conflict. 

So, now that I know, and it's all been put into light, I can take a firm step towards resolution.

Big decisions are coming up, but it's best to let this one last day go before finalizing what you think you want/ need to do. 

Spring is coming and it's time to clean house. 

Here's to fixing up your short-term karma and letting go of anything that doesn't serve you.

Take a deep breath.

Namaste, 2015

It would be an over statement to say that this past year has been filled with decisions and change. This year, though unique in its own right, has been much like the past years. Making a life for yourself and living is filled with change and decisions. I may only be 23 but I see many more ahead, for decades to come. While the decisions I am making now cause much more of an immediate effect now than previous choices, I know that everything I do and say all adds up to make me who I am in this moment. And this moment as well. 

There are moments and times that cause me sadness when I look back on them but I cannot allow them to be a part of the now. Those moments have passed and I accept that they happened. I was in a steady depression at the beginning of 2014. Thanks to the love of my life partner, Alex, and our children, friends, and family I have regained my cheerful heart. There are still moments of sadness I find but the trick is to take a deep breath and let it go. The sadness serves me not and it certainly doesn't help anyone else. 

I foresee a rocky year ahead of me, one of tight finances but broad possibilities of growth and adventure. This time in the past I would make selfish wishes but now, my deepest wish is to grow spiritually not so that I may elevate myself in some way but to be more giving and understanding. Many of you may say I am a good person and while these are kind words, I feel I have yet to live up to the compliment. This year I hope to become better at giving all that I can. I hope to achieve a state in my yoga that will allow me to help reach out to others seeking peace and restore their faith in themselves. My deepest wish is for love-- for all beings to feel it engulf them and fill their lives with hope and generosity.

With a few minutes to midnight, the stamp of a new year according to society but just another day for the universe, I send out all the positive energy I can muster to make these next few moments be as special as you hope. I send out the warmth of my friendship with the understanding that any moment can be special, any day can be life-changing. You don't have to wait for new years to start anew and make big changes, but it doesn't hurt to use it as a good excuse.

I wish you all a Happy New Year. 

The life force within me acknowledges the same life force within you.

(Namaste).