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Perspective…..how would you describe the elephant? In this cartoon, we see 6 people who are experiencing an elephant for the first time. They are relying on their sense of touch only. When asked what is an elephant they will all give different answers, as they have only touched a single part of the elephant. Such is life. We see the world through our own unique lens. But when we can let go of our own biases, our own distortions of past experiences, our own judging mind, THEN the magic happens! I am reminded of this cartoon elephant each time I have the urge to react without thoughtfulness. Sometimes, it is enough to remind me to take a breath and realize that the person I am reacting to is seeing a different part of the elephant- and they are equally certain that they know what an elephant is…..

In the last few weeks, I have been thinking more and more about how gravity shapes our normal posture and our movements. In the Experiential Anatomy course that I am taking, Judith Hanson Lasater has been talking a lot about noticing your position in relationship to gravity. Coincidentally, I also just read a book for my book club about an astronaut’s experience spending a year on the international space station….. gravity seems to be a theme that is popping up in my life.

As I explore this theme, I have been inviting my students to become aware of the force that holds them to the earth- aware of when it helps to create movements and stretches, and aware of when they are fighting against it.

The next time that you are on your mat, try allowing gravity to be a focus. Invite it into your practice and begin to find the places where gravity can soften your edges: For example, consider mountain pose. Standing strong does not need to be stiff. If you feel much resistance in mountain, perhaps you are fighting with gravity. Notice your pelvis…. does it feel level? Does it invite the natural curves of your spine to flow above? Or are you tucking your tailbone, creating an unnatural position from which your spine can not flow with ease? If you are in an aligned position, gravity should hold you easily to the ground, without the need to struggle or strain. Do your shoulders feel tense? Can you allow them to give in to gravity? Can you feel the pull on your arms and hands, as they seek the ground?

Instead of fighting gravity, can you welcome it as a friend?

If you are newer to yoga philosophy, you may not yet be familiar with the principle of ahimsa. To me, this is the most important one. Ahimsa is at the surface about nonviolence. So, what does that mean for you? Nonviolence can be a tricky concept. Certainly it means that we choose to not directly harm another person. What about other living things? To many yogis and buddhists, this also means not to harm animals to the extent of not eating meat or animal based products, as well as not wearing or using animal products or products tested on animals. What about the environment? What about fair trade, fair wages? Carbon footprint? The ways to extend this principle out into the world are endless!

Let’s start with an intention- I choose to make one step toward nonviolence this week. Perhaps it is an interpersonal form of nonviolence, such as apologizing for a wrongdoing. Perhaps it is an environmental ahimsa such as walking to the grocery store. Start small, because the small things can grow if you do them with intention.

As you begin on your own path of ahimsa, don’t forget that this concept also applies to how you treat yourself. How you interact with stress in your life can produce violent effects for your body and mind. The choices that you make in your work, relationships, and leisure time can also move you toward ahimsa or away from this principle. Treat your body and mind with kindness and watch how this kindness spreads in nonviolence.

Join me at Sweet Tea Yoga, as we Let Go and Be Still.

During this two hour experience, you will be guided through restorative postures to invite your nervous system to calm, your body to soften, and your mind to become quieter. During the last portion of the practice you will be guided through a yoga nidra- a meditation designed to bring you towards your own natural state of calm contentment.

Give yourself the gift of peaceful relaxation this holiday season. Discover how restorative yoga and yoga nidra can help you find your truer self.

Having trouble finding your center? Although this is a cute cartoon, there are many people out there who feel like the donut- people who have experienced trauma, those in physical pain, and others who are experiencing disconnect. Being present in our own bodies and becoming aware of the sensations that rise and fall may be easy for some people, but not for everyone.

Today, I am sending love to all those in pain, disconnected, or otherwise uncentered. May you find the ground under your feet, may your breath flow through you with awareness, and may you allow yourself to be ENOUGH- just for today.