Kyla Basher Creative

Yoga is an internal practice – the rest is just a circus. – Sri Pattabi Jois

I read this while attempting to plan my next class here at Northern HS and it seems fitting for the moment. Lately the feeling I experience most is that of holding my breath more so than cultivating Ujjayi or really delving into any pranyama practice. I admit with a lot of humility that lately the energies at work are colliding into one another, clashing, synergizing, and then splitting a part again. There’s been a lot of circus in particular this year and my internal practice has waxed and waned pretty much as the Moon does – a roller coaster of stress, bliss, anxiety, peace, helplessness, and empowerment.

At what point do we absorb too much too quickly? – and begin to feel an overflow of emotion and a draining sensation. Like a sponge I’ve soaked up as much as my open pores can handle – and I feel heavy but not yet rung out.

As my life fills to the brim with “stuff”. I accept each event, each drama, each celebration and quiety turn inward to reflect in small, precious and fleeting moments. My practice is very much internal but I have gently had to release myself from much of my favorite parts of practice like asana and karma. Its like a friendship that goes distant but of course is still there.

Three things you can do to take that first breath back in:

1. Inhale – no matter how old it gets. Take a deep breathe – literally.

2. Self Love – no matter how silly or distant you feel from yourself. Talk to yourself, be kind. Give acceptance and recognitoin to every little feeling, sensation, emotion, criticism, and tell yourself you’re still “A-okay” and if you really aren’t that you can and will be again soon.

3. Let something go – no matter how small or big… choose something you could do without – mentally, tangibly, physcially and make an offering to let it go.

People have commented as to how much “stuff” seems to be going on in my life (especially in this past year) and I am only proud of myself because I have made a commitment to this practice mentioned above. It is absolutley this inward visualization of practice that has helped to keep me balanced. And although my asanas often get put to the side and though most of this past year has given me more challenge than choice – this commitment has helped me grow beyond my capacity to really understand it just yet but at the end of these three things; a long deep breath, a little bit of self kindness, and letting something drop off the list of “to do’s”  I feel there is always choice left where challenge once was.

Om Shanti

-Kyla