Being amazed at the extraordinary within the ordinary functioning of my day, I can live in the chaotic noise of this world and still appreciate the mystery. To hold a sense of astonishment, with a deep curiosity and bafflement over the random moments presented, I can stay aware that this is the gift of being alive. Sitting with the doubt and the questions and being content with not knowing the answers.
Instead of seeing what’s wrong with the world, I have started to make a commitment to see what’s right with the world. Whether I like it or don’t like it, pleasant or unpleasant, or familiar or unfamiliar. I am choosing to embrace the moment as pure grace unfolds. What’s happening is not happening to harm me but to offer a gateway for practice. I am living my yoga as best I can in the midst of challenges and obstacles that remind me of my vulnerability and the conditional state of being human.
The cicadas have become my practice of patience, tolerance, and awe. Nature reminds all of us that we are not in control. My wild hair has succumbed to being a refuge for a few, trying to get onto that safe zone of the trees! My sweet dog has enjoyed a buffet of them as we walk, and I begin my daily adventure of acceptance.
This, too, shall pass. This quote has become my mantra as summer arrives and my flowers and garden come alive. Color is restored in Illinois, and the miracles of this season return. I listen. The early morning wake-up sounds of the birds have been louder than I have ever remembered, and thus, I begin my practice of staying amazed.
Let’s not rush into the day and start with the habit of doing, getting, and striving, but let the day unfold gently. Begin with a shift and choose to witness what’s being presented—the practice of absorbing the sensations around us.
The mind is tricky as it links to the habit of fear. Fear and the movement of thoughts into the fire of anger lead us to repeat doubt and worry. Life is challenging now for so many, and hearts are breaking with this world of chaos. Minds are spinning, and words can be harsh as we get exhausted from the rage we see in the world.
When I am tired, overwhelmed, and doubtful, I have no desire to move in another direction. It takes great effort to shift the noise and chatter of fear into the space of the breath and oxygenate the blood. Breathe into the body and purify and release the accumulated tension within the muscles and fascia.
The learned mind of habits and patterns keeps this false protection, and we believe we are just NOT flexible. Everybody can shift from what we have held as a false truth. We all can start to feel better with baby steps and start moving into the space of wanting to feel alive. To be human is to be vulnerable, and we must risk letting go and moving forward through a stable mind that feels rooted in an actual experience of feeling calm and at ease.
Desire to feel the body dropping its armor, feel the tightness around the chest, hips, and pelvis, and welcome the awkwardness of a spacious release. Energize and inspire the passion of living in amazement. Health and vitality are possible even amid deep emotional and physical pain. This spiritual gateway is through the heart. We are sharing a human experience of humanity breaking open, not apart.
Stay amazed and flexible with the constant shift of living from what we think to what we feel is Truth. This summer, we offer wonderful opportunities at YAF to heal and nourish our collective hearts. Come and join in our welcoming space and begin the practice of being “Amazed.”
See our June/July class schedule and book a weekly class.
Reserve your spot at our upcoming workshops and events.
with love and light,
Laura Jane Mellencamp-Murphy, MS, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Owner, Director, Certified Yoga Therapist
Yoga Among Friends, Downers Grove, IL