As I wrote last week, perfection is a pitfall that so many of us easily fall into. But how do we get ourselves out when it becomes our innate default pattern? One antidote to perfection is acceptance. Acceptance is acknowledgement of what’s occurring in any given moment without judgment. You don’t have to like or agree with what’s occurring, but instead give space to what is without trying to sweep it under the rug, change it or even make it better.
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
- Rumi
Yoga is the perfect place to be with uncomfortable feelings and emotions and sensations in the body. When we allow them to percolate to the surface instead of shoving them down, we can begin to befriend what is, whatever that may be. And instead of beating ourselves up and giving the inner critic a voice for things not being ‘perfect’, we can start to show ourselves some compassion and befriend our very own self in whatever form that may be.
This week, we will set a communal intention to welcome the full spectrum of our beings rather than resist, fight or push the uncomfortable away. In Wednesday morning virtual class we have been practicing this by doing a personal check in and body scan to get present with what is occurring in the moment and will continue to do so this week. In all of my classes, we will take time to get quiet, be present and focus on twisting as a means to move stuck energy and emotions (energy in motion) through us in a constructive way.
The weather looks good for this Thursday, so outdoor class will be happening at the Nature Pavilion. Weather permitting, this may be the last class of the season, so come join if you can.
If you are thinking about getting away this winter, my Costa Rica retreat is calling your name. Costa Rica is predicting full herd immunity by the end of October, so it will be a safe place to travel and all practice and meals are outdoors for an added level of comfort.
Enjoy this glorious fall weather and hope to see you on the mat sometime this coming week!
Amy Owen
Yoga Instructor + Birth Coach
