On Demand - Day 8
Day 8 | Stand in Your Power
Some define grace as the refinement of movement; I perceive it as light warming up darkness—a reminder to stand in our power and support it with a sense of ease. Otherwise, we might slip into the very tempting and often sticky space of grasping.
As yogis, we are given teachings that guide us in this direction. Aparigraha, translating to ‘non-grasping,’ stands as an essential principle within the eight limbs of yoga. When we grasp onto things, there is often an undercurrent of fear that will eventually cause something to break or slip away. Our own reactivity can often lead to grasping and before we know it, Grasping’s ‘friend posse’: Misery, Discomfort, Sadness, and Isolation bust in on us. For a moment or longer, we forget the glow of our true power quietly flickering inside us.
So we have this practice. We notice our reactivity. We slowly move towards equanimity on the mat, understanding deeply that things will pass and that right now, it’s like this. Perhaps we pause in childs pose or bring a half smile to our face. Off the mat, we learn how to save as draft the perfectly written e-mail rant we were about to send to our boss or loved one. Curiosity builds and taking things personally softens. We rise again, like Stacey Abrams every effing day and we Stand in Our Power.
The brilliance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shined in how he stood in his power. Dr. King wasn't grasping at freedom; he was a powerful leader committed to freedom, entirely in his power. What kept him from grasping was the core belief in a non-violent approach in his mission. The essence of non-violence fundamentally altered the feeling tone of tension our world so desperately needed.
When power and ease unite, we find grace. As they say, grace will lead us hOMe. We meet ourselves and connect to the love that is always lingering inside. Non-grasping is an element of how we get there. As we simmer in seeds of inspiration while honoring this day, let’s begin within ourselves by addressing the toxin of grasping.
JOURNAL
What helps you feel in your power?
What are some ways that you stand in your power?
What are some ways that you feel your freedom?
What are experiences or things you do that make you feel powerful or free?
What gets in the way of your feeling powerful or free?
What ways do you start grasping when things are in your way?
What are your go-to tools to release grasping?
ACTIONS
What are ways you have practiced grace? How did it feel in your body? Is there something going on now where you could apply more grace. How might that feel in your body?
WATCH/LISTEN
For more inspiration on grace, listen or re-listen to this Ted Talk by Amy Purdy. Or check our her conversion on Super Soul.
RECIPE
On Demand - Day 8
I love you, Keep going!
Alex
Next Up - the most important class to come to because Beyoncé is coming and it is also a chance to practice commitment. 💃🏻
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 45 min Yoga