B E G I N N I N G S O F T L Y

The teachings of yoga and ancient wisdom traditions guide us into an understanding that our deepest peace lies within us. We are taught, and ultimately ushered into a remembrance, that our true nature is inherently steady, joyful, and harmonious - a space of equanimity and quietude that is available to each and every one of us at any moment. 

And, yet, we so easily forget. How human of us, my teacher would say with hand over heart and a soft, loving smile. Much of what we encounter and experience in the world around us results in a gradual covering of this part of ourselves. Doubt, fear, comparison, judgment, loneliness, worry - all very human feelings and experiences that, over time, lay veil upon veil over our natural state of ease, delight, and wholeness. 

These veils have the capacity to mask who and what we are, making it difficult, at times, to really know, or remember, ourselves. Further, in the context of this space, this uncertainty of our truth creates blocks in our ability to experience clarity of our dreams, our visions, and our priorities.

The practices in this module are designed to support you in coming back home to yourself - a gentle, but clear return to your steadiness, a reminder of your wholeness, and an invitation to see yourself clearly - one of the first steps, I believe, on the path to illuminating our priorities and realizing our dreams. 

Return to Yourself

Set aside tiny pockets of quiet this week to put pen to paper and write out your thoughts on the following inquiries.

Explore all in one sitting or spread these throughout your week. You might find it helpful to print or write out this list of prompts and keep tucked into your favorite journal or atop a stack of clean paper and pen/pencil. Consider the practice of setting your spaces and tools ahead of time as a gesture of self respect.

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What does steadiness feel like in your body? Where do you notice it most?

How does steadiness feel in your mind? What do you observe? Can you describe it?

When do you feel most nourished and supported? Most at ease and grounded? Be as specific as possible - what/who is present?

Consider all of your senses as you describe this experience.

When do you feel unsettled? Be as specific as possible - what/who is present? What dialogue or story is present in your mind that adds to this experience?

Another way to think about this is, what is standing between you and your natural state of grounded, ease?

In what area of your life might your return to your steadiness be of benefit to you, to those around you, to the collective?

What might this look like? How might this feel? Be as specific as possible as you explore the possibilities here.

Free flow list of words, colors, scents, tastes, sights and sounds that invite softness and ease through your system and remind you of your steadiness.

Consider posting this list somewhere you see it every day, an altar of sorts.

Is there anything more that is coming up for you now? Anything you feel inspired to move onto the page? Close your eyes and give yourself a moment to listen.

D A I L Y P R A C T I C E:

Identify one or two moments throughout your day during which you can commit to softening your gaze, slowing your breath, remembering your peace, and returning to your steadiness.

Nothing more, just this.

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