Dear Friends,
First of all here’s what’s happening:
Tune in to The Come Up: Steps to Success Podcast with James Lawson and Courtney Stephen after December 19th where I chat with 2 great interviewers about my work and evolution in my career.
Let’s start the next year on a fresh foot. If you haven’t already signed up for our One Breath Global Meditation that is taking place on January 1st, 2018 right here on your computer, then do so right away below. If you can’t attend in person, a replay will be available.
TWO GIFTS to consider for yourself or someone you care about in the New Year are: Breathe to Heal, Monday night classes resume on January 15th, and a new online class called ‘Stop Worrying and Start Living’ begins January 29th for people who suffer with anxiety or are just looking for a more easeful life. Registration opens for both on January 1st.
Now on to the blog…
I discovered a wonderful thing the other day. It was something I knew intellectually but not yet in a real, physical, visceral way. I call it the sweet spot. A lot of our days we spend ‘efforting’ (I’m not sure if I made that word up) pushing through, completing and reaching or at least trying to reach our goals. I have definitely been and am a person who pushes and efforts towards certain ideals or goals whether it’s work-related or otherwise… I have a vision in mind!
However, in an effort to be just a little bit kinder to myself and also preserve precious energy, I decided to notice when I am pushing and pull back, just 10 to 20%. I have been trying this in my day, in my yoga practice, even in my mindfulness practice. The results have been amazing. I have more energy, go further and faster, and feel better at the end of the day.
When we let go of our attachment to an outcome, the possibilities expand.
Notice: where do you push the hardest? Where do you feel the most stress? Is it trying too hard with people, either trying to please or help, or is it with exercise, or perhaps with a work-related goal?
How can you pull back 10%. Let go just a little. Loosen your grip. Let go of one thing today. Stop pleasing others. Sometimes the more we cling to things, the more they allude us. Stop reading right now and sense into your body.. where do you hold on so tightly in your life? How does it feel to loosen your grip?
Please, make a commitment to yourself to take care this season to go just a bit easier, try less to gain more, go slower to go further. You don’t have to prove anything, and sometimes letting go is the bravest and boldest action you can take.
Wishing you a happy, peaceful, and satisfying December,
Madeleine
