Women Who Lead

The Power of Yin Energy and Yoga SSR

Lately I have been consciously contemplating yin energy.  The power of the feminine and ways to get more deeply connected with this energy.  So, it was no surprise to find that the yoga class I attended after months of being absent was a beautiful complement to this thought and practice. (Don't you love the way the universe speaks to us?)

In the text of Thomas Cleary's translation of the I-Ching, "true yin energy" is referred to as "stillness, receptivity, and flexibility."   In yoga class at Yoga for Life Charlotte, my yoga instructor, Debbie George lead us in practice with a focus of "surrender, soften and release" (SSR).

She invited us to surrender to whatever our level of practice was in the moment. Not to consider or compete with others or ourselves.  Suggesting we listen to our body and giving us permission to go only as deeply as our body allowed. Inviting us to breathe and soften into the positions. To move slowly and observe the subtle changes - with neutral non-judgment.  And, to release any tightness or resistance we encountered.  To let it go, breathe it out, and return to surrender and softening our minds and bodies.

As the studio name suggests, yoga is for life.  It is a way to maintain healthy body, mind and spirit as you move through your life.  So, I write these blogs to reflect on what I learn from my yoga practice. Lessons I can take from body practice and apply to my daily life.

Today, I was reminded to surrender to whatever may cross my path - from challenging thoughts to people and situations.  To soften the way I think and move, especially as I approach challenges.  And, to release resistance to whatever I am challenged by.  As, what I have learned is, "what we resist persists."

So, thank you Debbie and Yoga for Life.  I will practice SSR and walk into this day with a body alignment that is aligned with my yin energy.  Living from a mind and body that is better connected with stillness, receptivity, and flexibility.  Knowing and celebrating my feminine energy.  Living into my life as a prospering woman.

We learn from community.  So, please share your thoughts and feelings below in the comments section, around how your yoga practice changes your daily life or what may be showing up as you contemplate yin energy.

Namaste'

p.s. If you are interested in deepening your practice around yin energy, please sign up to learn more about the Yin Yang Diva retreats and Yin Circles™ we are creating for prospering women.

Lead With An Open Heart

Another day of yoga practice that inspired me to every day practice in life and work.

For those of you following my blog, you know that Debbie George of Yoga for Life Dilworth is my yoga teacher and everyday yoga inspiration.  A few weeks ago I decided to deepen my weekly practice with Debbie by sharing four or five lessons from each day’s practice.

Today, she lead us in yoga practice telling us we were going to focus on heart openers.  I want to share the five elements of this day that made the greatest impression.

1. As we moved into the initial asanas (positions) she explained that we would focus on a yoga mudra – a position - that placed our heads below our hearts.  As I reflect on this position I am reminded that we should let go of the usual analytical, thinking mind and allow for heart-centered living.
2. Then, in a position called standing camel, she instructed us to let our heads rest on our shoulders as we leaned back and let our chest rise and open.  In this position we could let our head and neck relax in the safe space created by the support offered by our shoulders.  Trusting that our head and neck would be safe, and we could lean without falling. This reminded me that I could create my own safe space and let my mind rest as my heart opened.
3. This safe space created followed Debbie's invitation to breathe and relax. As I relaxed into this position I reveled in the trust I had created in my mind by letting my heart lead.  As I reflect I realize that leading with the heart, helps me to trust my intuition, and allow my intuition to be a valuable part of my decision making.
4. As we moved from position to position she reminded us to lean into it, relax and lead with our hearts.  In each position, we relaxed our shoulders reaching back to open the heart space.  As I moved I realized that the less I thought about each position the safer I felt and the further I could lean into it - physically, mentally and spiritually.  Flexibility seemed to follow as I let my heart lead.
5. Debbie closed the yoga session with a prayer, an affirmation. Inviting health in mind, body and spirit.  This put the words to the motions, and allowed me to think and feel the meaning of leading with my heart.

As you go through your day, making decisions in life and work, I invite you to lean into it and lead with your heart.  Seeing where it will take you.

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Visit my web site to sign up for complimentary self-coaching services to support you on your journey to conscious leadership.  For example, Art of Life Balance with H.E.A.R.T.™

Letting Go of Struggle - Five Simple, Sacred Tips

It was another busy week of decisions, decisions and more decisions.  A real need to focus, set clear intention then let go.  It was also another week of powerful synchronicity with my yoga teacher, Debbie George of Yoga For Life Dilworth.

Somehow Debbie knows exactly what is needed and how to integrate heart-centered advice with breath and yoga to get me where I need to be.  Not only during yoga class but each and every day.  I want to share this experience with you so you too can practice letting go when needed.

1. Debbie started by inviting us to sit in a non-habitual position, e.g., cross your legs in the opposite manner, sit with your feet under versus in front of you ... whatever was different from the usual.  In making this change I became more aware of my habit, and made simple moves to change.
2. Next, she invited us to set an intention, and be more intentional about the practice.  Here I could simply focus on letting go of thoughts and stress during each yoga move, or integrate an intention of something else I needed to let go of, e.g., stressing over the decisions I needed to make. At this point I became totally present and let go of operating on autopilot or letting my mind wonder to what I needed to do that afternoon.
3. Then, she reminded us to move slowly into this new position, becoming aware of what showed up in body and mind as we eased into this "new" position.  I remembered to do this without judgment or comparison to what was usual for me, or if I had a preference. It is necessary to slow down when letting go of what was in our lives. As always, we were instructed to breathe and relax as we moved more deeply into and became more comfortable with the "new" position.  Breathing slowly and deeply allowed me to let go of any stress I was experiencing.
4. She guided us to become aware of where or what we may be resisting and what we needed to let go of - physically, mentally, spiritually.  Again, this is not about judgment or knowing why we are resisting.
5. To help us maintain our balance, Debbie suggested we find our drishti, the place where we rest our gaze, focus our eyes.  This allowed me to let go of distractions and enhanced concentration for better alignment.  In daily life, it reminds me to remember what I am focused on, the big picture. Another great example of focus and presence is truly enjoying focused time with my daughter.  This works whether I am listening to her conversation or following her lead to lighten up and have some fun!

I so appreciate how the practice of yoga carries into my daily practice of living and working.  I call it everyday yoga.   I found it oh-so-valuable to learn this simple practice of letting go. 

I look forward to letting go of whatever is holding me back, standing in my way of peace and prosperity. I invite you to do the same.

Tell me what is your practice for letting go and staying present.  I invite you to share in the comment section below.  

So, I ask, "What will you let go of today, this week, to change your life?"

With peace and joy,

Life Coach Karen, ACC

The Conscious Leadership & Retreat Coach

 

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Wisdom of the Inner Teacher - Get W.I.T. It™ and Thrive

I love my Kripalu yoga teacher, Debbie George, and her yoga class.  Probably because no matter how regularly or sporadically I show up for class, Debbie seems to know exactly where I am and what I need at that very moment in time. Probably because she is so connected to her own "inner teacher."

Lately, I have been like most, vulnerable to distraction by the stressful economic news and trying to successfully wear all my hats (mom, certified coach, entrepreneur, friend and volunteer).  It is in these moments I am totally aware that I need the support that Debbie and her yoga class offer to mind and body.  So, I show up to my favorite yoga studio, Yoga for Life in Dilworth, ready for the journey with Debbie. 

She leads with breath and joy, encouraging us to travel our own paths as we move with and into the asanas (positions).  Today, she reminded us to tap into our, "Wisdom of the Inner Teacher."  Guiding us to breathe deeply and slowly while simply observing what comes up as we move with our own breath.  Reminding us that our body will teach us what it likes and needs. 

Debbie teaches by example, keeping it light while she demonstrates options for the different levels of access to each asana.  She creates a safe space, and encourages vulnerability, reassuring us that this is not a competition, that continuous breath is the key.  Reminding us to relax, be kind and go only as far as our breath and body will take us.

She instructs us to let each breath be an "invitation to relax" - observing what shows up in each area of our body.  Inviting us to play with each move, aligning our breath and body.  As we reach into our postures, she speaks of extending our fingers as a means of ex-tension.   I smile and allow the life metaphors to come clear.

The metaphor that really speaks to me is Debbie's reminder that, "the hardest yoga position is being still."    With this, I self-challenge to let go of all thought, breathe the ocean breath and allow myself to be totally present.  As I relax out of mind and into my breath a smile possesses me and I become aware of how good it feels to let go.  I feel what it means to thrive versus struggle and survive.  

Mind you, I am the student, not the teacher, and must practice to get back to this beautiful place.  Over time, I have found it easier to be aware of when the moment slips away and can more quickly access my W.I.T.™ , allowing the Wisdom of the Inner Teacher to lead me.

I invite you to let your inner teacher lead you to your wisdom and a life that thrives.

Please take a moment to use the comment section below to share your journey with your inner teacher.

With joy,

Life Coach Karen, ACC

The Conscious Living Coach

p.s. If you are in Charlotte, NC, check out the best-ever Kripalu yoga studio to share in life-changing joy and yoga with Debbie George at Yoga for Life in Dilworth.

P.P.S. If you wish to complement your yoga practice with mind practice, check out our Art of Life Balance with H.E.A.R.T.™ eCourse and other complimentary self-coaching tools on my web site.