October 2021
Hi-hi and happy fall,
I think October is my favorite month! The air is changing, the sun shining… Something about these days just feels light and grounded at the same time.
As the leaves begin to fall, I have settled into sitting with acceptance and compassion as my monthly mantra. I have taken a step back and observed how easy it is to have expectations of the way this life “should” be, look, feel etc... and I have been really catching myself as those thoughts bubble up. I am working hard to take a pause and ask myself: Where are these thoughts really coming from? Why such harsh criticism or judgment of things that may not have even happened yet or are outside of my control? As these questions arise, I move to the practice of radical self-acceptance (the yoga principle of Santosha), a willingness to honor exactly where I am and what I am presented with to find peace and assurance no matter how comfortable or uncomfortable it may be.
When we’re caught in the toxic cycle of judgment and expectation, we often cling to a past view or a future projection, and we’re unable to create space for simply being with what is. Meeting myself with compassion demands that I honor all of the different pieces of me that are challenged and grieving - as well as joyful and light - and not push myself to get over, move through or figure out, but to simply accept and be in this teachable moment.
So this month, my offering for you is to gently observe the places where you are holding onto judgment and expectation, and see if you can loosen your grip, and find compassion for exactly where you are right now. Together, let’s open our hearts to acceptance and feel assurance that where we are is right where we are meant to be in order to learn and grow in this moment.
Love to you my yoga family,