Hang Zen
Jan/Feb Class Theme: the power of INTENTION
by Kristin Quinn on 01/02/12
Dearest Friends,
"A new cycle begins this day. Yet a new cycle begins every day. Indeed, every moment. So, if you recognize anything on this day, recognize what it symbolizes: The miracle of the endlessly continuing Cycle of Life. What a grand day! What a time for celebration! We begin again today! We turn the page! And, so, let go of all that you do not wish to carry with you any further. Any fear, any sadness, any anger, any resentment, any disappointment, any lament...let it all go. And, now, use the specialness of this day as a springboard. Let's get on with Life!"
- Neale Donald Walsch
Happy New Year!
As I thought about the intention of our new year sessions together upcoming, I was really stumped. I'm always trying to develop something of great value for you and this habit I have of reaching for something so perfect sometimes ends up killing everything(do you ever do that?)
And, then, it occurred to me(as I always remind you in each practice) that the place where I am right NOW, in this moment, nothing added or taken away, IS the perfect place to grow the most, learn most from, and transform to the next level.
So, where am I now? Many of you are aware that I had a heart procedure performed a few days before Christmas at Hopkins. And, it totally blew my expectations. I suffer with a congenital electrical issue that has been making my life more difficult over the last year. No amount of yoga, athleticism, or good diet will really touch it. And, so, I knew that I needed to trust the wonders of medical science for this one. God bless medicine. Knowing that this procedure had about a 90% success rate and it could possibly elliminate many or all of my symptoms, I was actually looking forward to it. I was both shocked and devastated when they could not correct the problem after a 2hr attempt.
As I came home drugged out and bruised up, I began to suffer over this...what now. And as my friends reminded me, and I always say to you, " Trust the journey, this is a good thing." Oh, its time to practice what I preach...AGAIN.
So, I now sit with this and do the only thing I know to do when you have the urge to desperately change what is...I become more still, more open, let go of the attachment to know the outcome, and, instead, begin practicing openness and intention. I come to my yoga mat and release that which I can, both physically and mentally, and begin to observe. What is needed right now?
I strengthen my faith and resolve that this experience, where I am in this moment, has purpose. I do this by causing myself to breathe more deeply(intentional diaphragmatic breathing), changing the internal environment from stressful resistance to more of a calm centeredness. I practice warrior poses and balances to create a calm resolve to stay with this process, not playing small. Instead of living one more moment of suffering, I can begin to see this as an amazing and appropriate opportunity for me. I can become more intentional instead of reactive. And, lastly, I stretch more deeply, relax fully, so that I can create a ripe environment to LISTEN.
What yoga has taught me, and what I will be bringing to all of our physical and meditation practices this month, is the expansion of this idea. Re-directed intention can give you that freedom to feel good again under any situation. It really doesn't matter where you have been, what happened today, last week, last year, or last decade(LOL). It brings forth the experience that all that really exists is NOW. And in the NOW is the opportunity for EVERYTHING!!! It opens so much space for you to invent, visualize your best self, and practice with purpose. Everything becomes more meaningful and enjoyable...EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL YOUR BEST!!
Neale Donald Walsch really spells it out for us in the above starting quote...this is a wonderful intention for the new year, don't you think? Let's start there.
I look forward to expanding on these ideas and creating anew with you this month as we do our yoga practice together. I will guide you in designing new goals for yourself in the new year with INTENTION...what a difference this can make. It is the difference of waking up and living like an aimless wanderer hopelessly complaining that life is not making you happy OR living like an arrow directed at a target, that knows its course, that nothing is going to askew. All the while enjoying the breeze in your face, the sights and sounds along the way, as you know and are reassured by where you are no doubtedly headed.
This is where the "joy in the journey" comes from, and it draws that stronger, more flexible supportive body and open, clear, inspired mind, that satisfaction and peacefulness TO YOU. I invite you to bring along a notebook and pen to class and begin to devote 10-15 min. afterwards creating your New Years goals from this more empowered place.
I am deeply grateful to share all that I have learned(am learning) with you and I am humbled by your enthusiasm to join this yoga journey with me. It is my intention to assist you in letting go of what keeps us small and dissatisfied, whether it be physically or mentally, and guide you to a new openness and strength to create a truly inspired, joyful, healthy life.
Please contact me anytime by email or , if possible, after any class to discuss where you are and where you intend to go. Any frustrations in class, new medical conditions, breakthrus:), new intentions, questions? I will seek out the answers for you if I don't have them myself and will get behind any goal that you intend(the intention of 2 is WAY more powerful than 1!)
Peace, Light, and great Joy in the new year!
Namaste Everybody,
Kristin
