Compassion Heals
Compassion to self and others enriches our journey together
Struggle. It’s a common theme for women at a retreat. We’re tired. Trying incredibly hard for years, sometimes decades. With partners, careers, children, family, friends. We’re ready to throw in the towel. At the very least, we deserve a break.
I realize only I can give myself a break. To make that happen, I must embrace the concept of less. To enjoy more downtime I must make fewer commitments. To stay cool (mentally and physically) I spend less time running errands in the heat of the day. To maintain my peace I choose not to engage with social and news media or individuals who drain my energy. To give myself a break I must say no.
Ayurveda teaches us the value of less effort. Too much effort (especially in the intense heat) leads to irritability, anger, frustration, judgement of ourselves and others and ultimately, suffering. Sukha is a yoga principle meaning ease or bliss. The challenge is to bring sukha not only to our yoga practice, but to our lives.
Expending less (effort, energy, time) is a clear path to the joy and bliss you deserve.
I’m here for it. I know I must wake up every day with the intention to find ease and let go of the rest. Mindfulness and implementing small habits allow me to practice less is more and find joy. There is no room for joy if we are mindlessly busy.
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. ~Rumi
These are a few simple habits that keep me grounded and present for myself and my loved ones in my life.
After years of forcing and trying so hard at EVERYTHING, I’ve discovered this space between effort and ease is actually quite sweet, once you get the hang of it.
When I start my day intentionally, I’m more productive, I feel less overwhelmed and I discover moments of bliss all day long. On days that I don't make time, I’m stressed, anxious and less patient. At the end of the day, choosing less to find bliss is an easy choice, but one I must choose again each day.
If you need a weekend with less effort and more relaxation, join us for a yoga retreat.
This blog is intended to provide helpful suggestions for self care and overall well-being. I am not a mental health professional. If you’re struggling I encourage you to seek the help of a professional. Find a Mental Health Professional | National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988