We're almost there! We're marching straight into 2020, slogging our way through ice storms, cookie trays, flu outbreaks, clearance sales, and other general holiday distractions. But it won't be long until that calendar flips from the last page of the year (provided anyone is still left using paper), and we jump with two feet into another decade.
So NOW what? What are we supposed to do with this jumble of resolutions, intentions, and hopes for the future? Where do we even begin? The options to make a change are either too numerous to contemplate, or are so limited that we feel we have no options at all. Now we find ourselves in overwhelm, flailing about with no bearing and no direction, paralyzed and confused. What is the first step? The first step is this: Do ONE THING differently than you normally do. When you find yourself stuck in the same mental loop, the same emotional reactivity in response to stress, then pause, breathe, and make a different choice. It doesn't sound like much, but that pause takes effort. In that pause is the chance to observe our normal tendency to act a certain way and CHOOSE a different response. When we change our response to the usual stimulus, we begin to loosen the hold of those old habits and thought patterns that trap us in our unhappiness. And when we release those bonds, we find the seat of our own personal power. Effort, self-study, and surrender - this is the practice of yoga, on and off the mat. I hope 2020 is the year you remove those obstacles to find peace and love within. To join me on the tantric path to a yoga practice that transforms your life, check out my current workshop offerings HERE.
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What does the new year mean to you? Maybe nothing. The ball drops, you kiss your partner, bang some pots and pans if you're feeling feisty, and then go about the rest of your life. Or maybe you get excited and motivated to make this-that-or-the-next change, only to watch your focus and determination fizzle away in the first few weeks of January when your old obstacles and repetitive patterns of behavior rear up. Whether you are the "full steam ahead" type, the "what's the point" type, or some other variation, transforming your life in the year ahead CAN happen. But it doesn't happen in the space of a few weeks or even a few months. And it's not a measurable reliable process of steady improvements. Life happens as a series of stops and starts, advances and pitfalls. Without an intention to begin the journey of change, and the awareness of what you are looking for, a path forward will not present itself. There is not just one path to addressing your own suffering, but the complete practice of yoga was the path that presented itself to me at a dark time in my life, and it worked (as I talk about here in my website). Because I continue the journey of knowledge and self-study, my life continues to transform. I know this with complete certainty, and I don't put that lightly, because I am a natural cynic. I can't speak to all paths, and the yogic journey may not interest you at all. But if the physical, mental, and spiritual philosophy of yoga resonates with you as well, then join me in 2020 as I share with you the deeper practices of self-study and meditation that changed my life. My hope for 2020 is to add more workshops and deeper teachings to my regular asana schedule. I also hope to set up a space to begin teaching private sessions. If you are interested in staying updated with the latest offerings, please sign up for my email newsletter. Thanks for reading, and I wish you all the best on your personal spiritual path. How did it happen? It's already December. Although we each bring our own meaning and ritual to this time of year based on our culture, religion, and personal philosophy, one thing is for sure; It is a time to connect to what we value.
Speaking of what I value, I grabbed this picture of my daughter and me from a recent article in the Trenton Times. You see, Sophia was born 15 years ago, and began seizing soon after birth. It has been a long road for us - one full of medications, specialists, and ultimately brain surgery. Although the surgery has left her seizure free (10 years now!) but she still has many physical and intellectual limitations, including difficulty processing sensory input. This past weekend we attended a special showing of "The Nutcracker" put on the by the Roxey Ballet. In this sensory-friendly show, they limit the announcements, lower the sound, keep the lights on, and allow viewers to move about freely during the performance. As a result, my family can experience the beauty and excitement of the ballet, without the aspects that would send Sophia into fight-or-flight mode. She's also free to stand up, dance, and cheer on the performers in her own unique way. (You can get more details about the performance and Sophia's antics here.) So how does this story relate back to yoga? The Roxey Ballet Company does what I aspire to do in my classes. Rather than standing on rules and formalities, they make adjustments so that ballet becomes accessible to all. Unique needs are considered and accommodated, and the result is a warm inclusive environment. This is definitely a value of mine, in both my professional and family life. During this holiday season and at all other times during the year, I know what I value. I value inclusion, fairness, and equality. I value providing a space in my classes for students of all levels to experience the practice of yoga and in doing so, experience the connection to her deepest and most true Self. I value the trust you put in me to guide you in your practice, and I value everything you teach me in return. I sincerely wish you all joy, love, and complete connection to that which you value. As I say at the close of my classes, "Lokah samastha sukhino bhavantu" - may all beings everywhere experience happiness and peace. Love, Laura |
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