the beauty of 'just being'

"When we speak of God, we are referring to that Supreme Consciousness from which all life arises. We can also talk about the way we experience God, as Divine Love or Divine Presence." Swami Khecaranatha

This Sunday morning was brought with soothing cloud cover, here in the sunny Tucson desert. I could sense my energy slow and restful, calling to retreat inward. Not without a list of things 'to do', I decided to heed the inner call. I lit some incense, put on some of my favorite flute music, and found my niche on the couch, from where I could watch the birds flitting here & there. I sipped my tea and was aware of the thoughts dancing around in my mind. "You should be doing...", "Don't forget...", "Don't you think you ought to...?" Although this practice of 'just being' is something I suggest to people I work with and keeping this balance has been a very important part of my journey, this morning it was clear to see I was a bit rusty!

'Just Being', tends to sound more simple than it is. We constantly have the buzz of the world drawing our attention out to: go do, go see, be more productive. Our nervous systems and minds are used to a certain amount of stimulation, often times depending on how we are with the going, doing and seeing. The cultivation of 'just being' gets lost in the hubub. When we do stop, not to sleep, or even to meditate, but 'just to be', we find the challenge right within us, egging us on to the next thing. Often times it doesn't matter what it is, as long as it is something other than sitting around 'doing nothing', for heaven's sake!

Quick to see how out of practice I was, it brought me to a place of re-committing to this much needed balance in my life, body and soul. Familiar with the inner protests to the stillness, I knew it wouldn't take long to settle in. As I sat and allowed the mind to go about it's business, while I simply brought my attention to feel my breathing. I began to notice a gentle sadness and longing surface. I felt a little teary. But, also from experience, I know for myself, it is an inner signal of relief. It feels to me as if, some deep part of myself breathes this deep sigh of relief; that I have finally stopped to allow a deepening, a healing, integration to occur. Before long, the physical body releases a sigh or two and I feel my breath deepening. No longer is the mind acting out. It too has retreated into a quiet corner, maybe feeling ignored or maybe, it really wants some down time too!

As I sat watching the birds, my awareness floats to watch the subtle quivering of the leaves on the tree right outside the window... I am mesmerized by it's gentle shimmy. Listening to the chorus of birds merge with the bamboo flute, my breathing slows and deepens even more. Sipping the tea, I can almost taste each herb I have blended as a treat for my taste buds and nourishment of my body. My awareness is called even deeper within, I feel and hear my heart beat. It seems as if I am hardly even breathing at this point. There is a sense of expansion beyond the physical and I 'just be' with that. Nothing more~Nothing less. Who knows how long I am 'just there', it doesn't matter. From this peace and silence, I hear the message, bubbling up, "Surrender. Receive." It begins to repeat itself, the mantra from the soul to 'me', over and over. I do just as it says and am blessed as it plays on through my heart, mind and body. When I notice it has faded away, I bathe in the blessing and feel the gratitude of return to a practice I have let slide as of late.

The sun is now out and I am off the couch. I am keenly aware of the guidance I was given and will follow. Space was cleared for a couple epiphanies to come forth and I am at ease on all levels. Who knows what the rest of the day will hold, yet I will remain in the spaciousness of 'just being' and allow the continuation of the beauty of surrender.

Peace Within~

private sessions ~ unveiling soul yoga

"In my search to find my heart, soul and spirit, Lotus and Unveiling Soul Yoga, were put in my path. She gave me sight to see my inner Self and to learn to make peace~most of the time~ with the heart churning conflicts that can be faced daily. She is a true soul healer" BD

The offering of Unveiling Soul Yoga came about organically around 2003. It is based on my personal yoga practice and deeply inspired by my time with Yogi Amrit Desai and Ananda yoga. My personal path led me to see the value of practicing in a private setting, one on one. I don't feel that it excludes partaking in yoga classes, but there is an added depth that can be attained when one can listen to the personal needs and calling of the body. This new awareness and consciousness can then be taken into the class arena, to benefit ones daily practice!

This practice can be taken as deep as one is so inclined. With guidance and support, we begin to understand the body, to be a vehicle to go beyond the body. With all attention on you, as the student, we listen to what your body needs at any given time. With postures done slowly, consciously and without force, you can nurture your energy level and listen within, to how you can best be nourished through this asana practice. You are able to hear more of the subtle calls from your heart and soul, communicated through your physical form. Tuning in, in this way, allows this practice to bring you into a peaceful, meditative and centered state.

Often, there are holding patterns in the physical body. We experience them as tight muscles, tension or alignment issues. We have emotions that are also stored in the body. These emotions can manifest as the tight muscles or illness. Most of the time these holdings are unconscious and need the 'light of consciousness' brought to them.
But how does one do that? And what does one do when they meet that block? Let's face it, if we wanted to meet it to begin with, we wouldn't need to push it away! As we all know, if something is going to feel good, we have little trouble experiencing it. However, when we don't want to experience something we deem as unpleasant or uncomfortable, we have habitual places to tuck 'it' away. Maybe it's the low back, the shoulder blade, the hamstrings, the pelvis . . . Any place can be the unconscious hiding place!

When we practice in a container that cultivates this inner listening, consciousness grows and we are able to move beyond our patterns of unconscious holding. We become empowered when we can build greater awareness and learn how to bring healing and freedom from old habits and stories locked within. It is not always easy to allow old wounds move through us, which is why this personal support and container is valued, if needed. The releases, whether they be in the forms of, increased range of motion, clearer seeing or emotional, are often necessary to create more space for Grace, so to speak. It is then, that we become lighter in our Being. We become integrated and aligned. We get clear on our patterns and learn that the release brings freedom and bliss!

"I began working with Lotus during a time of undo stress, hoping only to relieve some tension and gain some support. Through a personalized program of yoga and meditation, I was able to heal old wounds and patterns, as well as, wake up to a new understanding of myself and Spirit. With her intuitive guidance, sensitivity and grounded approach, I discovered so much more." AT

"I wish I could put into words what the practice of Unveiling Soul Yoga and the guidance Lotus has brought has meant to me over the past couple of years. With her help, I have less physical pain and have kicked acid reflux that I suffered from for over 10 years! Everything from dentist visits to public speaking has gotten easier for me. Comfort, ease and calm are what I have continued to experience. Her commitment to helping others to heal is inspirational." AV

Unveiling Soul Yoga extends an invitation to explore your inner landscape, delve into your own unique layers of lessons and discover the beauty within!
Peace~

a few voices of experience from Yoga Nidra

"Every week, Yoga Nidra class gives me priceless gifts: intense relaxation and alignment with my soul. There I breathe. I flow. I listen. Lotus creates a wonderful space for us all to explore what is vital about just 'being'."

"Doors are opening and I am opening."

"Working with the 'primary intention' initially brought a deeper palpable awareness of my connection with Source. After a few days - it just took a gentle reminder from mySelf to tune in and feel alignment. I have been a involved for years with body centered meditation practices - craniosacral work, qi gong, tai chi ... this practice brings my thoughts- my mind into balance with my centered body. This brings awareness to my whole life, actions and non-actions.
The 'secondary intentions' have been equally profound. With Lotus' help, I created an intention based on some patterns and "issues" that are an ongoing concern with me... in a comfortable and soothing way it seems to magically work through my system without stressful mental efforts or inner criticism. I am feeling noticable and fulfilling change happening in a soft and flowing way, not through mental imposition or force. I am deeply grateful for this practice - these new tools for growth, depth and joy!"

Thank you for your sharing~ Peace ~