Holding on

My daughter and son-in-law have just returned from a beautiful, relaxing holiday. He said to me, ‘Carole, I’m desperately trying to hang on to the feeling of being totally relaxed’. I completely get what he’s saying, and we’re like that after a yoga practice too, aren’t we? How do we hold on to that feeling of peace, that feeling of bliss?

When you come back from being away, the world crowds back in. We feel the tension all around us. We feel the expectations and demands of everyday life. It doesn’t take long for the peace to be shattered. Yoga, though, hopes that by achieving the peace and bliss on a regular basis, it can eventually become the norm. When you live more of your life in a peaceful way, and less of your life in tension, you find your inner balance. You stay centred.

It’s useful to become aware of what pulls you out of your centre. Is it being too busy? Is it other people? Is it the nagging voice in your head? Is it fatigue? Knowing what disturbs your peace gives you an opportunity to address it. So, the second step is to come up with strategies to find your way quickly back into balance. Retreating to the loo is often a good ploy in a busy household! Or going out to water the garden, walk the dog, or deadhead the roses. Sometimes a whiff of lavender oil is enough, or humming a chant. Find what works for you…think of it as first aid for the spirit.

Loving yourself is a good place to start. When you love yourself you recognise that you deserve peace. You deserve bliss. And when you spend more time centred than not, you’ll notice the difference that that makes to those around you. Everyone wins!

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti….OM Peace Peace Peace

Rain

I don’t think I can ever remember such a rainy Easter! The ground is completely water-logged and I’m sick of ploughing my way through mud. I had a brief spell without welly boots, which was just awful. I’m determined to never be in that position again – wet socks and wet feet is just not fun! So now I have 3 pairs of wellies and I’m back in the land of dry feet.

We can’t control the weather. We British can grumble about it, but we have to accept that we can’t control it. It’s back to our Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference. I love that word ‘serenity’. You rarely meet someone that you could describe as serene. Yet it is this state of serenity that yogis aspire to. During meditation I often feel serene. And there are some moments when I’m with family and friends that I feel serene. Then there are those pause moments when you wonder at nature…you see a rainbow, or a beautiful tree, or a bird on the wing. In that moment of pause there is serenity.

We have had a couple of lively and delightful weeks celebrating my daughter’s fiftieth birthday. Looking back on the occasions brings a deep satisfaction and serenity. When an event has been successful, and everyone has enjoyed themselves, there’s a big sigh of relief. You can experience a serene satisfaction.

I do hope you have all enjoyed your Spring bank holiday.

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti