September 2021
September is here!
Hello & welcome back to those of us returning to NHV after some time away!
I recently took time off to reflect, go inward, ask important questions, and rest. I chuckle as I write this because having an 11-month-old tiny human definitely does not allow me to rest and reflect in the ways I used to. Regardless, giving myself time was a privilege and a gift that I am grateful I prioritized.
Inspired by the Fall Equinox and this time of reflection: the delicate and essential act of “Balance” has surfaced as my monthly mantra. What it means to balance has been dancing around my mind as we usher in the Equinox, nature’s pivot, a day of the perfect balance between daylight and darkness that moves us into the new season. I have been contemplating what balance might best look like within both my personal and professional lives, and this reflection sprung from the most simple moment while quietly playing with T.
We were building sandcastles and knocking them down and a thought came to my mind about how tightly we cling to that which we build; we become attached to building more, gaining more, and striving for more. As humans, we have a habit of fiercely resisting destruction and avoiding endings. I saw this in myself for a split second as T knocked down the first drip castle I so triumphantly constructed; I laughed at my ego as it washed away with the sand and these feelings about balance are what floated to the surface.
Yoga teaches us that there is an ever-evolving cycle of creation, sustaining, destruction and stillness. What tends to happen in our Western minds and lifestyle is that we get so attached to the creation and sustaining portions of the cycle that we become fearful of destruction and stillness. However, it is through spiritual practice and self-awareness that we learn the larger lessons are often what arise after a challenge or destruction. Maintaining a healthy balance between building/sustaining and destruction/stillness is the ultimate goal for peaceful and assured living.
A practice of asking yourself:
Can I allow for a release of control?
Can I allow myself to step back and observe even when I want to rush in and do?
Can I let go?
That is the hard work of creating balance and acceptance.
Living through this pandemic has probably had 90% of us feeling out of balance in one way or another. The challenges that we have all faced, the things we have built, nourished, and worked for, have changed in one way or another or even fallen away completely. What was once fluid and easy may feel stuck and unattainable. As I read through the recent survey responses to the question of “How are you feeling?” a lot of our shared emotions of imbalance came through. We are also aligned in loss: We miss being together, we miss the simplicity of chatting with a friend or stranger before class, we miss casually going out to eat and so much more. I hear you. I see you. And I am feeling all of these things too.
So what I am working with this month is observing myself as I cling to those thoughts of “What was,” or “How hard I worked to” and trying to see those thoughts as attachments that are holding me back from allowing for a new season to unfold. I am working to practice balance by honoring the changes and destruction, welcoming the silence in order to be open to new creation. I invite you to explore these observations this month and see if the practice of releasing attachment can help bring balance to you, your life, and your heart.
Lastly, yay: I heard your request for getting together and am so excited to share that Haley and I are hosting a potluck in the park after the Fall Equinox class! We hope to enjoy some time with you!
Love you all,
Margot
You can watch the full Mantra video here