Moments of solitude are necessary to bring the gaze inward. Giving yourself permissions to quite the mind, to reflect, and to allow the body to be still is invaluable.
While physical and emotional nourishment is fundamental for the individual - the power of the collective is equally imperative. Humans were created to live and thrive in a community. We are intended to build relationships that strengthen and nurture the individual and in turn create a more vibrant and cohesive society.
Kula, family, group, crew, circle… whatever you want to call it: there will always be power in numbers. I’m not referring to power in terms of brute force. I’m referring to the power of the collective; in terms of thoughts, vitality and collaboration. While listening to a fellow yogi, Sarah Hutchinson, speak a few days ago, she mentioned “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” This is something I’ve heard before, but it seemed to resonate with intensity this time. The more life experience we have, we tend to subconsciously make shifts in our lives. These shifts may be in terms of finances, health, and hobbies; or the shift may occur with regards the people we spend our time with. The people you naturally select are the people who you are happy to spend your time with. The people who you truly want to invest your love and energy into. I have a pretty diverse kula, but I began to notice my own pranic flow was running dry. I felt as though, by choice, I was consumed by taking care of others. I wanted to be omnipresent. I wanted to be there when I was needed and with that I began to lose sight of what I truly required to keep my internal flame burning brightly.
In each yoga practice, I remind my students that they set aside this time, this space in their day to nourish themselves. I remind them that it’s okay to let go of their life off the mat for the duration of our practice to truly be present for time together. There will always be challenges on and off the mat; but giving ourselves permission to move through a mindful Asana and inviting stillness through meditation, we can ignite a sense of ease as we navigate through the journey of life.