The only constant is change.
Hello, hello…
My daughter recently left for college. After 18 years orbiting around each other, our flight patterns have altered. Those of you who have been here with me for a while know that I love to contemplate change. In fact, I wrote a whole book about how we move through significant transitions in our lives. Now an empty nester, I am again reflecting on these notable shifts.
We all regularly encounter internal and external transitions from the mundane to the monumental. Our personal relationship to the new and unknown will determine whether these moments feel exhilarating or terrifying (and quite often, some rollercoaster combination). So, what makes the difference between calm and chaos in the face of transformation?
Over the years, I have found that the things I do regularly to take care of myself become the welcome tethers when times get wild. This past year, as I morphed as a parent, partner, teacher, and freshly 50-year old human, long-standing practices supported me with newness: 1) time with Nature (whether watering my plants, taking a walk to admire the changing seasons, or swimming when and where I can), 2) speaking what is on my mind, 3) laughing with loved ones, 4) stimulating my brain with music and reading, 5) writing, and 6) meditation.
Yet, during these potent times personally and collectively, I’ve found the true game changer for cultivating greater presence and resilience lately has been my deepening commitment to a consistent yoga practice. Establishing a place to connect with my breath and move my body in spite of, and often because of, what is happening around me has been profound. Some days, my practice is short (15 minutes), and other days, it’s much longer (90 minutes). This dedication has become a ritual.
Throughout this year, my physical and emotional flexibility have improved. I have learned to embrace however I show up on the mat each day. The spaciousness and acceptance I have invited into my yoga increasingly transfer into the inevitable moments when life off the mat is unpredictable, and thus, uncontrollable. I am able to respond rather than react, using muscle memory to breathe and observe. I feel more present as I (fill in the blank) read the news of destruction and devastation, sit with a loved one before an emergency surgery, say goodbye to my daughter at the airport, lose my phone with all my passwords while on vacation, whatever it may be. This growing capacity to simply be with the reality of what is allows me to digest, process and mobilize rather than feel stuck and at the mercy of anything external. Consistency with what reinforces my well-being prepares me to manage any twists and turns more gracefully.
This week, as my daughter starts her new courses, I will begin teaching mine. I would love to share this powerful Shamanic Kundalini Yoga (SKY) practice with you and invite you to check out my offerings. You can message me back here for details on how to register for the in-person classes at my Studio City space.
In the meantime, here is a 1-minute demonstration of Spinal Flex, one of my favorite yoga exercises for flexibility and opening, as well as a complimentary 1-hour SKY Yoga Nidra class that guides you to relax and restore. The habits and tools that you incorporate into your personal routine can be short and sweet. The more supportive they feel to you, the more consistent you will want to be!
Ok, now, tell me…what practices are you routinely inviting into your day that support you when the tides shift? Send me a note, as I would love to hear about your favorite ways to stay grounded.
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon on the mat.
In truth,
Sam
