Hello Everyone,
Poets & Prophets this past weekend was about hearing the call of introspection and exploration. As humans in a changing world, how do we respond? How do we find true selves in the midst of chaos? How do we relate to others? And most importantly, what do we need to make this possible?
Similarly, we have been talking a lot about support in the wellness program these past few weeks. So many observations come up in an ansana practice. Eager curiosity. The fear of unknowing. Discomfort with grace. Frustration with our changing bodies. Yet something as simple as suggesting to use a block for support or take a less intensive variation can be met with so many feelings of inadequacy or neediness. A sense of failure. Or even more, a lack of control.
But what exactly does that block do, that support, that backing off of the feeling we have to do more, more, more? It brings us into alignment. It gives awareness to the space around us. It connects us to the true intention. A small lift helps us do it better. Truly.
Yes, this is all a very obvious metaphor for how we live our lives. We are conditioned that support, or help, is a sign of weakness or failure. But what if it is actually a sign of strength? What if it helps us achieve more? By asking for help, or taking it, you are making yourself stronger. You are reaching and connecting. You are saying yes, we can do it better but I need [insert the type of help here] to do it.
This idea, this notion of support being the thing that makes our goals possible, is revolutionary.
Homework for everyone: notice what happens the next time someone offers you help. Maybe it’s just holding a door for you, or bringing you a meal when you’re not feeling well. Or offering to take something off your hands. What is your reaction and how do you respond? What comes up for you?
Noticing this, and learning to accept help could be one of the most transformative things you can do. We need each other. And forgetting that premise brings us farther from ourselves and creates a disconnect in relationships, communities and the world.
Our upcoming wellness workshops carry this idea into action:
- Restorative — a live music soundbath with myself & James Hooker and a restorative with reiki with Kristy Leisgang — are about using support to achieve deep release. This is a part of a practice for experienced yogis and those who have never been in the studio alike.
- Ourupcoming chair yoga seriesis for everyone! Using a chair can help you achieve a stronger practice or start one, if you have limitations or not.
- And our prop workshopis perhaps the most obvious one of all, exploring the tools that are given to us to enhance our practice and deepen our experience.
So next time — take that block, take the support, take the suggestions. Hand over what you are carrying. Just as on the yoga mat, support can bring you into alignment, open to softness, make you stronger and see the world around you (and yourself!) differently.
Namaste,
