THE ENERGY OF PARADOX BY ROBERT MOORING

Movement is inexorable, essential. There is no energy without movement. Form cannot differentiate without movement. Without movement we would be stuck in the formless void of the thermodynamic death of the Universe, pretty grim right? Thankfully there is energy and form available to be the contents of our consciousness.

This brings me to the topic at hand, what moves me? I find that I am a discrete and individual consciousness, ultimately free. The thing that moves me, is well, me. Then of course I also find that I am connected to every other particle in the universe, that I am contingent and constrained. The things that move me are also outside of me. This is the answer then, what moves me is paradox.

Paradox, the intractable knot that only laughs at you more the harder you try to untangle it. All I can reveal to you in this text, is that it is an essential component of a formed system with conscious entities. The dualities that abound physically and conceptually, like light and dark and separation and integration, they are the source of all potential. Potential energy and its transference back and forth between the extremes in the pulsating breath inured in every micro and macro structure in the cosmos, is the source of all movement.

There many places that I feel the potential to immerse myself in the paradox and thereby nourish myself with energy and movement, but none more so than being the mountains. I like to go to old places, where the effect dwells. I grew up as an academic more than athlete (can you tell?) and I also hurt myself a lot, including a broken spine. I was never a candidate to climb mountains. Sure enough of course, internal and external factors led me to the pursuit of technical rock climbing in the alpine. Other than my wife and child, nothing inspires, enlivens, or nourishes me more than time spent questing in the vertical world. Mistakes mean injury or death, and yet the very slow accumulation of physical capacity, mental capacity, and instinct, allowing one to conform to impossible geometries with the birds flying underneath.

Insight: what part does it play in the arc of your being? Ever get derailed by a penetrating observation? Sure, and up there it seems to happen more often. It’s like I think more fiercely, even though in the best moments I am not thinking at all. More dualities. Poles to pull us apart, poles to knit ourselves together. At least up there I’m forcibly reminded to contemplate these things as much with my feet as with my overstuffed brain. Stay nimble. Nimble is another way to stay humble. Get too puffed up and you won’t fit through that next keyhole of insight.

A walk in nature, a minute of quiet in meditation, a good yoga class can give you all of the same experience as dangling from fingertips in the mountains. Practicing those techniques to allow my mind to enter the same flow state that is forced upon me while climbing is a peak into the next stage of what I hope will move me, and move you too.

AN ANCHOR IN CHANGING WATERS BY SHILAH SARKISSIAN

This month You and The Mat invited me to create the blog post for the month of May. The topic to write on was to be “what moves and inspires you?” In this opportunity life seemed to be gifting me a question that needed exploration… What really inspires me, how do I embody my yoga? My life has been in a constant state of flux for the last 6 months and in the current of change, finding the answer to what moves me initially felt quite elusive. 

The place that has offered refuge in the constant shifting is my meditation altar. Day after day I’ve been sitting to practice the art of being while my life swirled with the inevitable energy of doing.  A few mornings back, sitting in my quiet space, the inspiration arrived. What moves me is water. One of my daily practices, gifted to me by a wise teacher, is to have a cup of water on my meditation altar and upon waking, offer to the water, as the object of my meditation, my heartfelt intentions, devotions, mantras and gratitude for the day. When the process feels complete, I drink the water in, receiving in my body through the water all the gratitude and love that I have offered outwards. In this act of self care, I am reminded of the connection between all things. This practice of sitting and giving gratitude to the water has been my biggest gift. It is in anchor in a world of movement.

My love for water runs deep.  As a little girl I would stand at the mouth of a river and marvel at the paradox of water – the way water can be both the most gentle andpowerful thing on Earth. When obstacles arise, water moves. When the path changes, water shifts course with grace knowing it will arrive in due time. It is the gentle all encompassing force that lives within each of us. No matter what shifts around me, water is there to remind me to be both steady and soft. The invitation seems to be to become the embodiment of my yoga practice and find santosha, (contentment) even when the waters of life swirl with a little more current than usual. Water moves me – inspires me – to get on my mat and move. To sit and be still; and in that stillness opening the door for me to the yogic devotional practice of Ishvara Pranidhana – surrendering deeply to the flow of life. Thank you water, thank you.

NATURE, MY LOVE BY LEILA SWENSON

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” ~John Muir 

Has this ever happened to you? …Maybe while you were walking on the beach… or through the Redwoods… or in the Marin headlands… that you felt a deep connection to yourself, and wanted to dwell in that for as long as possible? …Maybe you felt a deep sense of peace, contentment, or joy, in just being?

I really feel Nature is nourishment, for the soul. 

When I’m taking a walk, or hanging out on a park bench in the Botanical Gardens, it is sheer delight for me to take in the big blue sky through my eyes, to feel the sun kiss and warm my face, the wind play with my hair, the grass tickle my feet, and to hear the chirpy-chirp of birds, ( especially the slurpy-slurp of hummingbirds).

Instantaneously, I feel energized and more alive.

One of my favorite things is to smell the distinctive scent of eucalyptus trees, and even more sweet, to hear their leaves rustle lightly, whispering secrets on the breeze.

Every single time I’m in the gardens I’ll notice I have a huge smile on my face… It’s pure bliss to feel so connected to something greater than myself, and at the same time, feel accepted as a unique part of what surrounds me.

One day, I was intently watching a bee draw nectar from a flower, and I saw how selflessly the flower gave, playing its role. I wondered, what can I learn from the flower? What is my nature? What is my role? How am I a part of this great web of life? What can I selflessly give, for the benefit of others? What are others, selflessly giving, for the benefit of me?

I thought of the words of Albert Einstein: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” 

Yes. 

It is important for us to get outside and enjoy, appreciate, and learn from this beautiful natural world of ours… To be moved by the oceans, lakes, mountains, streams, valleys, wind, stars, hills, sky, clouds, trees, meadows, flowers, and more, is an amazing gift. To be in Nature inspires care and action on behalf of our environment, and great love for our “home sweet home” on this planet Earth.

It also simply feels good.

When was the last time you went out into nature… and found yourself, going in? 

… Maybe I’ll see you, there.

by Leila Swenson

AS WINTER APPROACHES BY SARA KREOWSKI

In the northern hemisphere, we’ve moved into winter. Plants are dormant, animals are in hibernation, lakes and rivers are freezing over. Yet, we feel the need to rush around. The temptation to live outside of ourselves is strong. Our ego is gluttonous, feasting on expectation, judgment, and comparison. As we are pulled in all directions, making lists, checking them twice, and moving from one obligation to another, we are left feeling hollow.

During these dark, cold nights we are called to take a cue from Mother Earth. To slow down, to rest and to move within. The calm and peaceful nature of darkness creates a space for quiet reflection. Stay in, curl up with a warm blanket and mug of cocoa.

In the company of glowing candles or Christmas lights, take time to reflect on the previous year. You may take this opportunity to examine how you feel in the dark. What comes up when the light is soft and everything is quiet? Often it’s our own thoughts that make the darkness feel scary or lonely. Darkness can evoke feelings of uncertainty or unknowing. See these anxieties, name them. Take note of habits or thought patterns you’d like to leave at rest here in winter.

Just as the warm glow of a fireplace fills a dark room, what is it that fills you up? Are there habits, hobbies, or loved ones you can spend more quality time with? What is it that feeds your inner flame? What can you call upon to keep you going through the next year? Reflect on what truly warms your heart.

As you seek warmth moving through this holiday season, do so thoughtfully. If you find yourself depleted, retreat and rest. In moments of joy, when your heart feels warm, lean in. Maybe working on a puzzle, stringing popcorn, baking, listening to music, or cutting out snowflakes. Live in that joyous moment, however small, give yourself permission to bask in its warmth. When we allow ourselves to be fully immersed in that feeling, it will fill us up a thousand times over.

We savor moments of peace and enjoy warmth with gratitude, knowing this is a luxury. Not only is it fleeting, but it is not something all humans have been blessed with experiencing. As we fill ourselves up with joy, love, and light can we find ways to bring this into other’s lives?

ABOUT SARA KREOWSKI

Growing up in Thousand Oaks, California, Sara was constantly riding bikes, swimming and climbing trees. Seeking out adventures in her backyard, on the beach, or on a snowy mountain; she always thrived in the outdoors, connecting physical activity, nature, and mindfulness with happiness.

As an enthusiast for knowledge and an advocate for a healthy body and mind, Sara believes an honest yoga practice will translate into positive changes both on and off the mat. Coming from an asana-based training with a strong emphasis in human anatomy, Sara’s priority in the classroom is sequencing smart classes, safety, breath, focused effort and release, and most importantly, self discovery and personal growth. Through her 500 hours of training, continued education courses, and personal practice, she recognizes the magic of yoga but aims to take away some of the mystery.

She enjoys cooking and loves discovering and sharing yummy recipes that nourish the body. “I look at a cooking recipe and a yoga practice the same way—as a road map, not an instruction manual. If you listen to your instincts and are not afraid to make adjustments along the way, you’re bound to come up with something delicious,” she says.

As a recent transplant to the East Bay, Sara is excited to share her passion and knowledge with a new community. When she isn’t practicing you’ll find her laughing with friends, shopping farmer’s markets, cooking, hiking, camping, walking her pup, or enjoying the beach watching her husband surf.

ENJOYING A SIMPLE PRACTICE BY ANDE BEACHLEY

The practice of Yoga, while it works to mature the mind, can also reveal the mind as a young, persistent child. Just like the other day, when I saw a mother walk out of the store. She prompted her young son to follow alongside of her, and he confidently demanded to know, “Why?”. Our curious minds create endless questions in attempt to figure out the practice.

For some of us, it is “how?”: How do I do that crazy pretzel pose? How will I ever find balance on one foot? How can I watch my breath without changing it? And how will I know if I’m doing any of this correctly?

There’s also the clever question of “Why?”: Why practice yoga at all? Why practice these specific poses? Why practice with a teacher? Why point my toe vs. flex my foot? Why inhale for up dog, exhale for down dog? In case I haven’t already, you could easily drive yourself (or someone else) crazy with the endlessness of why.

Lately, I’ve been attempting to let go of 99% of the “why” questions, and instead, focus on one, intrinsic “why” that drives and sustains my practice. While uncomfortable at times, I become more inspired to learn from the practice when I let go of the questions and enjoy the time that I have to move, and to breathe! In my experience, we do not really need the answers to most of our questions. We do not need to complicate our practice.

Rather, our practice and our presence intensifies when our efforts become direct, focused, and clear. Challenge yourself to commit to one motivation for your practice; a motivation that is personal, passionate, and sustainable (avoid numerical goals or reward-based motivations). Seek out an idea that inspires you on a deeper level; it may be the desire to learn something new, or to get out of your comfort zone, or to create an honest connection with yourself. Avoid elaborating; pick one thing, and return to it as many times as you need to. Make it a mantra as you practice, as you do the dishes, as you drive home from work. When we invest our energy into a single-pointed focus, (this is also known as Dharana, the sixth limb of yoga), we discover how much we can love the work that we are given.

About Ande Beachley

Ande is a 500hr RYT with training in Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and SmartFLOW Yoga. Her emphasis in teaching is centered around a steady breath, which motivates controlled movement and cultivates a resilient mind. Her training in SmartFLOW Yoga invites mindfulness into her practice, and her love for the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga keeps her rooted in the breath. She believes that yoga should always be healing, but that doesn’t mean it will be effortless! She loves to explore the ways each student can be strengthened individually, yet ultimately give and receive support for each member of the community. Her teaching style is inspired by intelligent movement techniques and an intuitive alignment process (i.e. every body is different, and this creates a great opportunity for exploration and self-study).

Ande recently moved to the Bay Area from Chattanooga, TN, where she was immersed in both yoga and climbing. She loves to (mindfully) challenge her comfort zone and encourage others to do the same! Her degree in Philosophy inspires a thoughtfulness in all areas of her life, aspiring to seek out truth, ask more questions, and help uncover the great potential that resides in every being.