"Furthermore, we have not even to risk the adventure alone; for the heroes of all time have gone before us, the labyrinth is fully known; we have only to follow the thread of the hero-path. And where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god; where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves; where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence; where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world." - Joseph Campbell
Sometimes life gets messy. It gets uncomfortable. Whether it is something as simple as burning dinner or something as big as understanding racial tension, noticing discomfort is an invitation to get to know ourselves better. Reacting outwardly can diffuse the unwanted feelings, but turning inward can offer the gift of a deeper knowing.
In yoga, part of our practice on the mat is an opportunity for self-study. Getting curious about moments of difficulty rather than backing away from them. Always asking, what can I learn about myself in this moment of discomfort. If I am pushing to hard in a pose, breathing into the question, "what in me needs to push so hard that I am willing to sacrifice my body?" If I back away the moment I began to feel difficulty arise, "what am I running away from and not willing to see?" Those are just two examples of endless questions that arise. What the questions are is not important. Asking them at all is what matters.
Taking that practice off the mat is where it gets even more interesting. Outside of the controlled environment of our mat, we can be taken by surprise by the moments that shift us into discomfort. Pausing to ask the questions may not happen as easily. But, it is that moment, when we are faced with a wave of emotion, a zing of electricity, that we breathe. We move inward. We seek to understand, not the situation that caused the discomfort, but what inside us is yearning to be known. It is a calling to commune with spirit. Through that connection with our deeper knowing, we can see "the situation" through a clearer lens. We can move from reaction to a response, therefore taking responsibility for how we participated and for how we can learn and grow to do better the next time.
FOOD
Often, when we pause and move inward, we are able to discover a place of vulnerability that carries with it a sweetness. Boiling everything down allows us to get to the essence of what we are feeling, of who we really are. There is a sweetness that can be found there that connects us with all of humanity. This reminds me of making rhubarb compote. A fairly tart vegetable, given some cooking time (and a bit of honey), becomes a deliciously sweet jam like sauce. Keep an eye out for my rhubarb compote video on IGTV this week! I will also add it to my recipe section. I've heard the requests and will make an ongoing effort to do that!
YOGA
Use the space on your mat to learn how to breathe and go inward, to learn and grow, instead of outwardly reacting. Stay tuned for a mini practice to assist with this!
Upcoming Events
Every Thursday - A.S.K. (Agriculture Supported Kula) Farm to Kitchen Cooking Class!
Focusing on locally grown, seasonal food - what it is, cooking/storing ideas, and a recipe demonstration. This will be a live Zoom session with opportunities to ask questions and connect in community. First session is free. Follow this link to register and learn more!
September 17th-20th, 2020 - True Nature Retreat More info here
Are you yearning to immerse yourself in the peace and harmony of nature? This three-night magical retreat will connect you in a meaningful way with mother nature, drawing you more deeply into connection with your inner nature.​
We are more excited than ever for this retreat as it will likely come at the perfect time for all of us to immerse in community once again. It will be a time to reflect about the unique situation we all currently find ourselves in, both inwardly and in connection with others. We know that our time in nature together will provide a beautiful space to process and heal.
Nestled in the heart of a beautiful Oregon forest, next to a babbling creek, we will gather for meditation, yoga, guided forest bathing, crystal sound bowl healing, and fireside gatherings.
You will join with nature and connect in spirit with those around you, while still enjoying space to retreat and tend to the needs of your soul. ​Each day we will wake and gather for morning meditation and invigorating (yet suitable for all levels) yoga. Following breakfast, we will feed our spirit with nature! Moving through the forest in a meaningful way will allow you to fully absorb the magic and access a true state of inner harmony. Lunch will be a collective effort with the guidance of Katrina, a passionate Nutritionist and food-lover. Afternoons will be open for you to nourish yourself with whatever appeals to you. Hiking, enjoying the creek's swimming hole, visiting with friends, relaxing in the hot tub, reading in a hammock... all options in this lovely setting. Late afternoon, we will gather for restorative yoga and sound bath, followed by dinner. Before heading to bed, we will circle around the fire to reflect and enjoy.
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