Synchronicity

Magic, manifestation, universal alignment- whatever you want to call it, it’s happening. There are those who believe that events just occur without reason. It’s what the rational mind calls coincidence. Personally, I like to believe that the Universe is a bit more magical- playful even- than that. 

I feel to better recognize the “signs” life is constantly sending our direction, it is our job to receive with an open heart and open mind. So many things/people have come into my life always at just the right moment. It may not have been on my terms or in the time when I wanted them to occur, but sometimes the Universe has a plan of its own. When these things happen, it opens me in such a way that I feel completely connected. That whole mind, body, spirit thing? It’s no joke. When those three things are in alignment, there is just a “knowing” that even if I don’t like what life is currently handing out, it is still perfect.

Much of the work we as women (humans) are here to do, involves connection. Certainly as women it is something we tend to thrive at. Connection to family and friends, earth, God (whatever that is for you), breath and community are vital to our being. When we lose that sense of connection, we lose a part of ourselves- our energy depletes, our hearts darken, nothing in our life seems to “go right”. I don’t think we all value just how much being receptive to these signs or synchronicities actually helps to fuel our souls. They bring inspiration and possibilities. 

Now I realize that it seems just about impossible to hold that particular state of being all the time. We’re human. Each one of us has within us light and dark, yin and yang, masculine and feminine. It’s the nature of duality. And guess what? It’s ok to play and move between those spaces. One cannot exist without the other- they are both one in the same. Everyone and everything is connected. The sooner each one of us can embrace that idea, the more at peace we will all be. 

So what can we do to help open our hearts? What will help us to recognize the signs in our lives?

*dance

*create a sacred space in your home

*meditation

*walks in nature

*practice truly being present in each given moment

*go volunteer for a good cause

*yoga

*conscious breathing

*be a positive role model in your community

*practice random acts of kindness

*journal

*spread love, joy (and maybe even a little glitter) everywhere you go

*pay attention

Story.

I’ve been thinking about my story lately. Everyone has one. And as long as you are alive, your story continues to be written. I am not yet the woman I want to be. I envision who I desire to be. I know that I am open to that path that may lead me there. Some say that there is plenty of time- I am only 31. Given that I was recently witness to my father dying brings me to a realization that it is not the time that we have that matters. Who knows how long any of us really have? I could live to be 100 or die tomorrow. With that in mind, and an understanding that it is not coming from a place of fear but rather the desire to live presently, I want my story to unfold in such a way that if I did die tomorrow. my heart would be full.

For many years I have envisioned this idea of who I think I am destined to become. I feel her- in every fiber of my being. I seem however to be currently lacking the devotion necessary to bring her to life. I’m not exactly sure why that is. Laziness? Fear? Doubt? All of the above? There has always been a place inside of me searching for something- an unquenched thirst. For the longest time I assumed that feeling would be filled when I became a mother. I am slowly starting to question whether or not that is in fact true for me. I am not sure how to even fully explain it. I think I saw carrying a child, giving birth and raising that child with unconditional love as an extension of spiritual awakening. And I think that would be the case were I ever to birth a child. However, the more I contemplate what that truly represents for me, the more I wonder if it really is just a deeper sense of connection to God that I seek- a feeling of unconditional love which I believe can come from a divine union between myself and God. I sense that I am starting to be open to the idea that having a baby is not the only way to do that.

I am reading a book called Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga by Sally Kempton. It is based on the Hindu tantric traditions. I personally don’t conform to any particular doctrine or religious practice but this book speaks to me. I am a yoga teacher, I am intrigued by all things mystical, I connect to the idea of earth spirit/mother nature. I believe that God (universal energy, Shakti, supreme being- whatever you want to call it) is everywhere and is everyone. I don’t believe that God is male or female but instead has many facets that can be represented as male or female and appear to us in many forms (hence the many gods and goddesses throughout different cultures). I believe God is Love. I believe that Love is Magic. There is so much inside of me yearning to be set free.

I want to commit myself to myself. I want to embrace my light, my darkness and all the space inbetween. I am a women searching. This is my time and this is my story.

Falling in Love all over again

With my yoga practice that is. I have been an on and off practitioner/student/teacher over the last 14 years. In the last couple of years, hoop dance kind of replaced my yoga practice. Both offer similar benefits, but I was just enjoying the fun and upbeat energy of hooping more than where I was at in my yoga flow. In the last month or so, this has all changed for me. Nothing has changed as far as my love for hooping BUT, my love for my yoga practice has renewed itself.

I have been picking up a bunch of classes where I work these last number of weeks, and it has been a joy getting back into my teaching groove. It’s funny how this yoga “teacher” thing works, as we are truly the perpetual student. Sure, I can call out names of asanas, help students correct their alignment and be a constant reminder to bring their awareness to their breath…I have a certification to prove it. But is that all that yoga is? Is that my only “job” as their teacher? The western stereotype would tell most people yes. The true yogis of the world I’m sure, would adamantly disagree. And I would have to agree with them. I believe it is natural in our culture to be drawn to the physical benefits of our practice- and there is nothing wrong with that. Given enough time and self reflection however, and you come to realize that there is more to this “yoga” than just being able to wrap your leg around your head. This is where I am at with things.

There are a couple of ailments that I am working with through my asana practice, sure. But it is within the stillness of these moments that I am connecting to so much more. By closely paying attention to what comes up for me- emotionally, mentally and spiritually- I am going to places far beyond the surface and am feeling quite excited about it. It is not that my actual practice has changed much, but it is all being seen through new eyes. I am finding it more magical…more enchanting. I am aware of it in my day to day life. My body and soul yearn for it now, for it provides a space where I feel more easily connected to spirit.

Not everyone is in the same space, and that’s ok. I am not here to judge- myself or anyone else. I am simply here to recognize the beauty of this practice and where it is taking me moment to moment. It is a reflection of me, of you and God (however that translates for you)- which are ultimately one in the same. And that my friends, is LOVE.