You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.
Finding Steadiness In A Shakey World
Finding Steadiness
In life, when we are uncomfortable with our challenging feelings, we have all sorts of things we can use to numb ourselves or detach and disconnect from the discomfort of what is happening at that moment.
Easy access to food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, TV, shopping – you name it can be relied on to numb our feelings instead of just feeling through them.
On the yoga mat, though, we don’t have those things, so when feelings come up, or we start to fatigue in a pose, we find other things to do with our mind to take us out of the present time and out of the feeling.
Reactions On The Mat Translate To How We React In Life
We can utilize yoga to stay in the sensation and the discomfort of these sensations. By learning to recognize and notice the reactivity, the fantasy, and frustration, each feeling’s projection is vital.
Yoga is a practice of more than physical and just stretching the body. We can use what we learn on the mat in our everyday lives – relationships, work, and personal life.
If we can notice all of these projections or reactions from within, the more we witness ourselves on the mat, the more we can see how we react to life. Notice, are we running away? Do we charge through to the point of injury? Do we disconnect?
Don’t run away. If we can heal the reaction to the discomfort we feel, then in life, when the stakes are high, and things count, we learn to stay in our body and use the breath to get through.
Building A Strong Foundation
The more we can find steadiness in our foundation, the more we can open up through the heart. When we feel discomfort, come back to the breath. When we practice maintaining steadiness on our mats, we can translate and use it when the uncomfortable arises in our life – in the difficult conversations and demanding situations of life.
It doesn’t mean that we have irradicated the discomfort; it just means that we’re not letting it run the show. The internal dialogue might sound something like, “ok, I feel that feeling. I will feel it in my body, and I’m going to take a deep breath. I might need to go home or cry or range or dance or do whatever it is that I need to do to find the appropriate outlet to discharge the energy and maintain steadiness in this chaotic time.”
Find Steadiness In Discomfort
It’s ok. Finding steadiness in discomfort isn’t always easy, but when we take some time to feel the feeling and then let it go, we can better manage it. Breathe and let what you are feeling pass through the body not to get stuck or trapped. You’ve got this.
Namaste wanderers
As Always
Live life with a curious heart and be open to where it leads.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. My mantra is, “Be where my feet are,” nothing more, nothing less. It means living in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. You’ll find resources and stories primarily about subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on these pages. By acting on my dreams and sharing my experiences, I hope you’ll be inspired to say YES, and live your happiest, best life. |
Follow along! Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
She offers weekly inspiration and a monthly roundup filled with stories and tips on travel, exploring, van living, self-care, photography and being human.