Singular Mind

Sometimes during my meditations I find it hard to get to that space where I am of one mind. That peace of mind that comes from existing only in the here and now with an ultimate focus. If I push too hard to realize this mindset it seems to vanish. The key I've found is to let go all of my expectations and just let my thinking flow until my concentration becomes effortless. If relax and let my mind wander it discovers its only point of reference without any mental pushing or shoving. At this place I learn the most about myself and my relationship the people in my life comes sharply into my vision, my imagination soars to where all things are possible and I start to experience bliss. Every time I meditate I come closer to this place where nothing external can touch my serenity. It's taken a while, but I'm learning that such a destination does exist and it's right inside of your own mind. It's called my Nirvana.

Working On Standing Forward Bend

Uttanasana or Standing Forward Bend is a pose that I'm currently trying to achieve Nirvana in. It stimulates the kidneys and other digestive organs and helps relieve stress and fatigue. I love the deep stretch that it gives me in my hamstrings calves and hips and the fact that it strengthens my root chakra. In this pose it's important for me not to force it. Progress comes extremely slowly for me in this pose. It helped at first to practice it with me knees bent, my feet pointing straight ahead so as not to bow at the knee joints, endeavoring to rest my chest on the fronts of my legs. Then I lengthen the stress from there to gently expand into it even more using the measured inhale and exhale of my breath. The more I practice this, the more I learn to have patience with my body and mind. It's a great lesson to learn, one that keeps me focused and grounded in times of self-doubt and fear. I trust that everything will work out.

Liberation

I will be the first to say in so many ways that yoga has freed me. It has taught my that I don't always need to try so hard, that perfection is like a white rabbit some people keep chasing and that boundaries are what we make them. We get trapped inside our perception of our minds and bodies; telling ourselves the "proper" ways to look, think, and feel. It can all get so overwhelmingly exhausting. In this self-made odyssey of mine, I've discovered the beauty of knowing that I am who I am unabashedly with no apologies. Layers of self-awareness are peeled back with each passing day and I realize that I am passionate about the things that make my life incredible, that I have a healthy appetite for life, and I'm not afraid of it in all it's angry, crazy, sad, sexual, moving, exciting, sensual, mentally stimulating and even horrible experiences. And I owe a lot of my personal acceptance to yoga. Every time I crease into an imperfect Standing Forward Bend, or turn into a flawed Warrior 1, I know that I'm creating unique parts of me that make me special and wonderful in my own way.

The Best Yoga Ever!

Today was one of my best yoga practices ever! I'm so excited about it truly. Taking a few days off has been great for me. I was able to more clearly assess the improvements I've made in my form, flexibility and endurance. I can envision certain poses that seemed unattainable as within my grasp and that gives me the heart to keep succeeding. It's amazing that as I relaxed into each of the asanas in a custom impromptu Vinyasa, I was moving with a certain seamlessness and grace that I don't remember possessing before. This is a real turning point for me. I can't explain it, but a pro instructor-worthy yoga practice seems so much more attainable. I can't wait to see where I'll be in a year!

The Subject Of Improving

I'm getting better with each passing day at my yoga practice. I took some time off to reflect on the benefits my mind and body have gained. I would say they have both learned to soar beyond their boundaries equally well. When my spirits are down, and I feel alone, I turn inside myself to the place where my true strength resides. It's becoming easier and easier to do that even as the road seems to become harder and harder. I've found that one of the best ways to deal with trials in life is to just let them go. Deal with their experience, glean what you can from it and then move on.Today was particularly hard for me. It's the anniversary of my brother's death 4 years ago. I will say that I've found that even on the days where the road is the rockiest, looking back on his brief life gives me sadness as well as joy for the time that I was able to enjoy him in this world. So this day is dedicated to all the happiness that he brought into my existence. Rest in peace big brother.

Photo Credits: Dan

What I Learned

I've discovered in the past few days that it is important to stay focused. I'm striving to do that even though keeping my eye on the ball has proved to be more difficult then I previously thought. I've had to accept the curve balls that life has thrown my way and step out of the rubble stronger each time. I'm slowly but surely recovering from my anemia it seems and stepping back into the ring. While I got knocked out in the first round, the second has me ready to go with he best of them. Tripping and stumbling has failed to stop me.

Photo Credits: Xedos4

Loving My Failures

Today was hectic and busy, but in the evening I found the time to practice my yoga and meditation. I noticed that my asanas have become more effortless and graceful, and that I'm easing further into new realms of flexibility. It has been completely amazing for me to continue on this road to enlightenment. I've learned a lot about myself and my commitment to repairing the parts of me that are "broken". I've begun to celebrate the areas where I am abnormal and rejoice in my mistakes because these spaces of me teach me how to be vulnerable and fragile in a way where I can learn and grow and become stronger. My body has taught me the virtue of patience and fortitude. I know it even more intimately now and I'm allowing myself to get up close and personal with my mind, soul, physical person, and spirit. Meditation has proven to me a powerful teacher for me today. I could visualize clearer then ever while meditating on my chakras today. In particular my Third Eye chakra seem to be blooming and open and my root chakra as been improving. I'm doing all I can to stimulate a healthy and steady flow through my energetic body as possible. I just know that I've made progress and more importantly that I'm changing for the better.