How to Thrive: The Yoga of Every Day

I wish I had one easy secret that could propel you into perpetual bliss. The not-so-secret reality is, thriving requires commitment and her co-conspirator, consistency. Commitment to wise use of time, to appropriate balance of reflection and action, to practice and to fun.

from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: Abhyasa/Practice: Abhyasa means having an attitude of persistent effort to attain and maintain a state of stable tranquility (1.13). To become well established, this needs to be done for a long time, without a break (1.14). From this stance the deeper practice continues to unfold, going ever deeper towards the direct experience of the eternal core of our being. The essential companion is non-attachment (1.15), learning to let go of the many attachments, aversions, fears, and false identities that are clouding the true Self.

Musician Meg Hutchinson committed herself to meditation and yoga after coming to grips with a mental illness. She speaks publicly about this often shame-filled topic with poise and passion that seems to emanate from her cells. Meg graciously agreed to co-teach a workshop with me at the end of this month before an intimate house concert (see below).

Meanwhile, I’ve committed to designing a life and career that I love. I’ve been bustling with preparing workshops, expanding my own practice and self care, and yoking my physical therapy with my yoga teaching more thoroughly. That’s why my workshop, Way of the Happy Fascia, is returning in September. (for reminders: sign up for my newsletter).

For my commitment to fun, I’m adding more collaboration into my teaching. Teaching yoga can be a lonely thing! In addition to Mind Marries Mat with Meg (lots of M’s!), look out for more co-facilitated workshops and retreats.

For my commitment to teaching at the highest level, I’ve joined a 500 hour professional yoga teacher training that takes place here in DC. I’m 25% of the way in, and loving every minute of it. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such great guidance.

What can you commit to, with consistency, without break, without attachment, to go ever deeper to the core of who you are?

Meg Hutchinson House Concert – see clips from 2012 house concert: #1, #2, #3

Sunday June 30th 7:30pm

Please bring $15 cash in exact change. All monies go directly to the artist.

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Originally published- 06/23/2013

Categories: : Humaning