It Takes a Village...

I lived in a yoga ashram for a while to deepen my practice. The strict daily schedule started at 5:30am and was filled with practices to help us live and breath yoga 24/7. 

It worked. I went through several challenges while I was there but was able to see them through a different lens and felt elevated by the mindset and teachings surrounding me.

I left convinced I’d keep my practice at the same level but as soon as I returned home I started to fall into old habits.

It’s hard to maintain a new perspective when the people surrounding you are mirroring your old ways back to you.

That’s why it’s important to have a community to practice with. We need each other. 

Spiritual community can:

• Hold a new vision of how you wish to be for you

• Focus on your potential instead of your past

• Dream bigger for you

• Study + practice with you

You are affected by the vibrations surrounding you. 

Eventually with practice you’ll be able to hold a higher vibration despite what’s going on around you but in the beginning you're like a newly planted tree. If you surround yourself with nurturing community you’ll grow stronger and thrive.

3 Ways to Connect to New Community:

1. Attend group classes: It’s easier to stay focused in group classes and you’re more likely to meet new likeminded people. Find an instructor you resonate with - I’m biased towards the Dharma Yoga community myself;) 

2. Spend time with someone new: Be open to making new friends. I practice meditation with a friend twice a week. I find my practice is much deeper when I’m in her company. There is likely someone in the group classes you attend who would be happy to practice meditation, study a yoga book or simply have tea and chat about the practice with you. 

3. Join the Abhyasa Living Yoga Course: One of the things students love most about this course is the new community that's created. Through this program you’ll experience 3 months of guidance that will change the way you see the world and meet a new yoga family that will help you hold this new vision of life. 

Of course there are MANY more things you could do to connect to community. If you're drawn to meet new people stay open and receptive. You’ll start to notice many opportunities to connect around you.

Become a Vibe Elevating Superhero

Your sensitivity is a gift.
 

Your vision of what’s possible is beautiful! 💐 A compassionate, joy filled world where we love each other and lift each other up despite our differences. 

Holding this vision inspires you…

..until you’re at a holiday party and your grinch brother in law squashes it with a hopeless monologue drenched in slurs and stereotypes.

You find yourself wishing you weren’t so sensitive.

But I have great news.

There is a way to hold your light in all situations.

When you learn this, your light will become much more infectious than any fear filled story. You’ll use your sensitivity to connect to your intuition, understand others better, and send waves of inspiration without losing yourself. 

Here are a few holiday tips to get you started: 🎁

• Ask your inner guidance for help: At the beginning of the day, place your hands on your heart and verbally share your intention for the day. Use your own words. Here's an example:

“My intention is to remain compassionate and connected to light today. Help me be kind with myself and focus my attention on the light. When someone expresses negativity near me, help me remember that they're suffering and don't let me take their reactions personally. May I hold space and mentally offer compassion instead of taking on the fear of others.”

• Remove yourself from harmful situations: Sensitive people can stay in negative situations because of guilt. By not wanting to hurt others feelings, you end up hurting yourself instead. If you need, allow yourself to say, “That’s interesting. I don’t see things that way” and kindly excuse yourself from the conversation. It’s okay to give yourself space.

• Offer compassion from a distance: Remember everyone is doing what they think will make them happy. Don’t get stuck judging others - it will drain you more. Instead offer them compassion from a distance.

• Take care of your own needs: We all want unconditional love. The only one who can truly offer it to you, is YOU! Take time to listen to your inner kid, offer it kindness and compassion and create healthy boundaries when needed.

You were born to bring a download of unconditional love to this planet ✨

With yoga knowledge and self-care tools you’ll learn to stay connected to your light no matter what's going on around you. Then you’ll begin to experience the incredible gifts of your sensitivity.

I’m offering two beautiful self-care events this month: 

Restorative Gong Bath | December 14, 7:30pm @ Yoga Centre Wpg, and

Holiday Meditation + Kirtan | December 16th, 7:00pm @ Yoga Centre Wpg.

as well as my regular classes. 

You can save your spots here.

I hope to see you on the mat soon!

Much love,
Sam

❄️

PS - Sick of your super powers lying idle?  Join me for the Abhyasa Living Yoga program beginning February 24th. These three months of practice and study will completely change your relationship with the world around you. Learn more here.