Change: The Only Constant

As a lot of you may know I live on the Potomac River. It is an amazing place to live. While it is not the wilds of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans, it is full of beauty, grandeur and most importantly, change. We have lived here off and on since 1984. We have raised our kids, entertained family and friends and more recently sheltered here during COVID.

The constant is the change. Seasons change, weather changes, tides ebb, flow and flood and we see it all. Over the years we have seen water quality change and species populations rise, fall and even disappear. So how does this relate to yoga and movement you ask? Well, the gifts and skills we receive from practicing yoga and movement allow us to recognize the changes within ourselves just as we recognize the changes in our environment. When we slow down to the rhythm of nature we see the subtle changes. When we slow our thought process and slow down the frenetic pace of our lives we observe the subtle changes in ourselves.

Did you wake up one morning this week and notice a pain or a twinge that wasn't there the day before? Do you find yourself avoiding a movement because it isn't as easy as it use to be? Maybe you find it hard to focus on a simple task that use to be accomplished with ease. Yoga allows us the freedom to practice being present. When we coordinate breath and movement consciously distraction slips away or we become more acutely aware of what those distractions are. What a gift! Movement in nature is even a bigger bonus. When you walk down a path in the woods or stroll on the beach give your attention to your surroundings. You will notice you aren't alone. Tiny footprints cross your path. Bird song and the rustle of the leaves reach your ears. When you take to your mat to practice use those same skills and notice the feel of your clothes on your skin or the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe. Notice pressure in your hands and knees as you come into Table Pose. It's all important and all necessary to our personal health and growth.

All this being said change is big right now. I have chosen to end my relationship with Evolve Yoga and Wellness. I am embarking on a new teaching format, or an extension of what I have been doing. I am trying to see how I can reach my students in a supportive positive way without driving hither and yon. So far online teaching has been working. I will continue with this format and maybe, here and there, teach a workshop or two live! I know, unbelievable! Together let's use our hard earned skills to embrace the change that is coming. Take a breath, close your eyes, feel the air on your skin and surrender to the gifts change has in store for you.

Namaste, Lauri