I have just returned from Costa Rica, where we spend the entire week diving into our own practice, pleasure, and relaxation. This year our theme was “Self-Love”, turning AHIMSA inward towards ourselves. Ahimsa ~ one of the eight limbs of yoga defined as compassion and non-violence to self and others ~ and the yogic path towards food, health and deeper levels of self-love. As I go through the writing process, digging deep into my own well of expereinces and obstacles, I find myself of course, working with my own path, my own triggers and especially my own self-judgement.and internal dialogue. I had asked for help and support from a dear friend who is a wise healer and teacher of mine. We agreed that we all struggle at times and wrestle with our minds so to speak. We also agreed that if we were truly practicing the very first pledge in natural medicine “do no harm” which perfectly parallels with the practice of ahimsa, we would open and love ourselves without out all the bullying we so often are guilty toward, yes, ourselves.
If we truly lived in an energy that was all embracing, all accepting, and recognizing our own inherent value, the value of what we offer to others in our lives, and the value of each of our purpose, would our energy be abundant, our enthusiasm for life high and energized, and our manifestation abilities infinite? We both agreed that yes, that would be true! It has to be true. This is a universal law…
I was in a wonderful tea date with a dear friend and fellow yogi yesterday. We spoke at length about connection, inner alignment, and the depths at which our practice leads us back to more and more self love. Our thoughts may not always reflect this perfectly balanced approach, but once again, our job is to recognize where we are, how we feel, and how we operate on our edge during the day to day life. It is not a final goal, or a destination, but a constant practice both on and OFF that matt. We need reminders, we need support and connection, and we need to be gentle with ourselves most of all, after all that is the true ahimsa working for us!
If we can journey into the heart, sit and find compassion, that may just be us getting our of our own way. Freedom is available in each moment. Freedom from the junk that is in our way to finding divine love for ourselves…
When we re-connect back to our hearts, our own endless well of self-love that is the strongest healing power known to humankind, and use this power to truly awaken into each moment and each challenge, our health is aligned at a deep level. Our daily choices moving from this heart place will always be for our highest good. Aaahhh, thank-you….
