That was some week

It's been a week of ups and downs.  So much happening inside and out.  There were times when I felt quite sad and overwhelmed and didn't really know what to do with it all.  By mid-week, I decided I needed to start taking care of myself again by reintroducing a morning yoga flow.  It's of my own design (done in my living room before I've even washed my face and put on my glasses) and I've come to feel quite protective of this time.  Whether I do 10 minutes or an hour and a half - it's my practice.  It's like a gift I give myself.  Over time, I've found it has become my time to just be.  Some days I set an intention, some days I don't.  Some days I'll add a new Asana and other days I rely on the tried and true.  Some days I feel in the flow and others it feels more of a struggle.   Then there are the days I'll ask a question or for help & guidance.  That's what I did this week.  And here's what happened. 

There I was in Downdog and it occurred to me that it's ok to not know all of the answers; it's ok to ask for help; it's ok to not be perfect.  So what if my heels don't touch the floor in this Asana.  Big deal.  I'm in it - I'm engaged - I'm present - I'm here.  That's good enough.   Being human, it's a guarantee I can't be perfect.  Of course it's ok to ask for help - and to receive it.  In that moment, an affirmation popped into my head - and it felt like a light went on.

"With grace and gratitude I receive abundance from the Universe."

What a joy and relief to say those words.  

Later that day a gift arrived the form of a blog posting from a lovely and talented woman who attended a group Stress Reduction session I gave earlier this month.  Please read Violette's story here.  She overcame fear during a troubling time, and I feel honored to have been able to help her and grateful that she is sharing her story.

www.violette.ca/2013/04/26/peaceful-meditations-and-creative-connections/

Sometimes it's hard to remember that we choose our thoughts - and it is nice to be reminded in such a gentle way that we can change them and overcome fear.