Humans are always evolving. Sometimes we go through long periods where we might feel stuck or cement like. Our body, mind and energy is slow and sluggish. In a less perfectionist culture, those times might be honored and even sought after. In modern culture we are often diagnosed with depression or something else to try and explain why we have slowed down.

Maybe it's okay to slow down now and then, regroup and get ready to "step back into the circle."

Stepping into the circle is a way of immersing ourselves into a place that provides openness, focus and discipline.  Being conscious about when we are in the circle and when we are out, allows us to identify the changes as we go through them. Usually it's not an either/or deal. We can step back and gain a fresh perspective fueled by creativity and positive energy.

Circles usually relate to meaningful, cherished or good things. The circle of life, mala beads, cookies, rings, crop circles, baseballs and our planet.

Feeling bound-up, shackled, irritable, frustrated, fettered and uptight?

Loosen up. Lighten up. Take it easy. Be cool. Do the old school mantras still work?

Sometimes when we're not looking, life gets us all wound up. We're tired, we're challenged, we're seeking, we're angry, we're hurt or we need something we don't have. Can we see that the space we're in is temporary? And if we do our grounding practices we'll feel much better right now.

That space of not getting is powerful. Sink into it.

It takes a really keen awareness of how softness can actually loosen us up as opposed to more squeeze.

To let go of mental chains means we are light, free, unfettered, open, curious and courageous.

We are all in it together. xo

How do you loosen up in a healthy way?

“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” 

~Meister Eckhart

How do you say thank-you for all that is wonderful about your life?

Start by making a list. Write it all down and put it somewhere it can be seen and remembered.

It helps you to remember what is good in your life. We get really caught up in day to day living, including petty dramas and things that take our energy in negative directions. When we humbly pause and reflect on all of the good things our lives contain there is so much richness and love...remembering is very affirming and a way of being kind to ourselves and others. Focus on just one person you are grateful for, perhaps your closest loved one and realize what a gift it is to cherish that love and to be cherished by that love. Actually sit down for a few minutes. close your eyes and feel gratitude.

Sometimes we need gentle reminders to let go of our self pre-occupation. Me me me...it can get very boring. It's not like we want it to go that way but again old habits die hard. While there may be times we need to focus on ourselves and take care of ourselves....me me me is different. Usually too much about me means I'm stuck somewhere and need to get lifted up and out. Communicating with others and connecting to others usually gets us out of our heads and into our hearts. Sitting around, sulking and isolating keeps us stuck. Go out and walk or move your body. Run or cylce or dance or yoga or walk. Get the chi flowing to get unstuck. It works wonders almost every time.

Joy is stable and increases when we realize what is really important. What are the most important things in your life? Chances are it's not your job, your wardrobe or your car. Make a list of what really makes you happy and focus your energy there. When you do that, you're practicing loving-kindness toward yourself and others which creates a positive flow of energy and much more joy in your day. Happiness may change from day to day but joy is ever present.

Here is a very simple loving-kindness or "Maitri"  meditation. Maitri helps us extend more love to ourselves and others which creates feelings of compassion.

Get comfortable in a chair or seated on the ground. Relax your face, throat, jaw and mouth. Let the body be at ease. Take several deep cleansing breaths. Repeat the following phrases to yourself silently and notice how that feels without analyzing.

May I be safe

May I be healthy

May I be happy

May I live with ease

Then visualize someone you love unconditionally and repeat the following phrases for them saying "May you be safe, and continuing with all 4 phrases. Now visualize  someone you are having a problem with and repeat the same phrases. Continue with a neutral person and each time say the above four lines. Finally extend this to all people everywhere in your city, country and all over the world.

Then opening your eyes, just sit quietly and meditate for a few more minutes.

OM OM OM

OM OM OM

Stand in Mountain until you feel within your body fully. Breathing steady.

Move into Tree pose balancing on your left foot. Let the Tree blow and move freely. Practice on each side with steady breathing.

Practice 3 rounds of Sun Salutations A, then 3 rounds of Sun Salutations B with steadiness.

Move into Crane pose balancing on your left foot. Then take Warrior 3 on the same side and fold into the Standing Splits. Take forward fold. Pause in Mountain and practice on the other side. Let your awareness guide you.

Bringing your arms into Chest expansion and then rising into Garuda on each side. Balancing without over effort and grasping. Keep it simple. Follow your breath.

Back to Mountain then moving into Triangle pose and Revolved Triangle into Pyramid. Flowing through a vinyasa and switching to the other side. Strong, steady and awake. Back to breath....

Squat and take Garland pose holding long enough on each side to open new territory....feel expansion and breathe into it.

Jump back to stick pose and hold for several breaths. Feel warm, solid and engaged. Move into upward dog and downward dog and childs pose. Practice several rounds of this.

Standing in Mountain step your right foot back and take Warrior 2 then reverse Warrior and vinyasa. Practice on each side like this twice.

Bring your arms up and move into powerful Warrior pose with grounded front heels and reaching fingertips. Breathing into your rib cage feel the space you are opening.Vinyasa afterwards. 3 times like this.

Step back into stick pose pausing then lowering to ground and move into Locust. Practice 3 times without hardening into it. Empty each exhale fully.

Bow pose next with a light lifted feeling. Sink your tailbone and lift your limbs. 3 times.

Practice an inversion of your choice. Shoulder or head stand or even bridge into wheel. Knee to chest after.

Sitting now with your legs extended forward take seated forward fold and breath your back lungs wide open. Stay here for awhile. Empty empty empty.

Roll to your back and take Happy Baby! and smile. Then knees to chest and smile again:)

OM OM OM

Set aside and spend some quality time with the issue. Be responsible and directed about that. Your life is precious and your inner self is calling for something very real.

Meditate on it, journal about it, go for a long walk, talk to a friend. Call in your devas, angels or yogis. Ask for help. Ask yourself what it is that you really want. Breathe into it and really feel the issue in your body.

Give it a day or two.

Then move on. Release is beautiful. Especially release with wisdom.

If you sit with it for too long it festers and creates drama.

It's ok to make a choice that isn't perfect 100%. You will learn. You will be ok. So will others.

Trust yourself. You are wiser, more loving and more capable that you can ever imagine.

Love,

Yoga Jane

xo

Bodhichitta is a Sanskrit word that means "noble or awakened heart." All of us have the potential to awaken our hearts. Our potential is what gives us hope and inspiration to start fresh each day.

No matter what happened the day before, both positive or negative we can move forward each day with something new. Sometimes we need help to remember our dreams. Each day we have so many responsibilities and questions. Often we feel unsettled or disconnected. Like we're waiting for something to shift and then it will all be ok.

 However our life is working out, the genuine heart of bodhichitta can be discovered as a way of clear seeing. It is ever present and teaches us a great deal about love. Not just loving others but loving ourselves in whatever present condition we find ourselves in.

 Practice feeling bodhichitta by simply sitting down and breathing for a few minutes. Focus inward and feel your breath moving through your body. The awareness of just being is enough. Stay with whatever comes up. Let the corners of your mouth turn into a smile.

~ Kelli Russell Agodon