The Yamas and Niyamas AHIMSA Self-loving

Ahhhhh self-love…truly hard for all of us. Best part in the book…"we would never purchase a can of red paint and expect it to be the colour blue when we apply it to our walls"…..Our walls around us, the exterior of us. If we can not work from a place of non-violence, self-love, courage and compassion…why should we expect anything but from those around us. Truly having the courage to see ourselves as we are, in all our parts and to embrace them without judgements or expectation. To be kind to ourselves and to forgive ourselves can truly apply forgiveness, love, non-judgement and non-expectation to those around us…in whole non-violence. 

I have forgiven my past, seeing only that the weaknesses have made me stronger, the mistakes gave me the power to learn more about myself and the sadness encouraged joy. My courage to stand alone has already shown to be grand! My daughter told me she's happier that I'm not with my ex boyfriend anymore. I asked why, she said because you seems happier. She has also been coming with me to my Restorative Thai Yoga classes and is now taking a genuine interest in them and wants to help me teach them. I'm creating a beautiful little lotus for a very muddy world…I couldn't be prouder!

Much love xxxx

AHIMSA: Non-violence

I am working on reading The Yamas and Niyamas with a group of wonderful people and I thought, how appropriate to share with everyone! :)

The Yamas and Niyamas are the 10 foundational yogic thoughts or personal observances. They give you the guidelines during your journey, as tools for your karmic backpack. This fulfilment can bring you towards the ownership of your life; by etching out the actions, attitude and thoughts of your beautiful undertaking.

AHIMSA: Non-violence or compassion for all living things, is where we being on this path. AHIMSA literally means to do "no-harm", which invites us to shine bright. Kindness, friendliness and thoughtful consideration of all things, which in hand applies to our duties and responsibilities too. 

My mentor brought up something that struck a cord with me and I quote, "Thinking we know what is better for others becomes a subtle way we do violence. When we take it upon ourselves to "help" the other person, we whittle away their sense of autonomy". The definition of autonomy is; "freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviours, etc". This means that WE are determining, expecting and judging OTHERS. Therefore when we live with non-violence, we understand that courage is not fear but rather the ability to be afraid, without being paralyzed. Therefore while courage may drive YOU forward, it could be completely debilitating for OTHERS.

*The Yamas and Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele

Love, bliss, joy….enjoy the journey. xx

Restorative Thai Yoga…my delicious love, to support you.

Come as you are, to a place of support. Let me guide and lead you through a journey of self exploration, of finding what your body is longing for. For support, for love, for understanding and most of all, patience. Lets slow it down and create the upmost stillness in our body, mind and soul. Lets allow ourselves to listen, with our heart, lets turn down the noise. I'm here to comfort and embrace you, without judgement or expectation…come as you are and rediscover who you are. Love, bliss and support…Shannon xx

JOURNEY CONTINUES…YOUR THOUGHTS?

After another discussion with a friend, it is amazing how many of us rely on someone else to make us happy…why? Why can we not make ourselves happy? I'm asking you to post your comments on why you feel this is. :)
Lets share and grow together!

MOVING FORWARD….THE JOURNEY.

In the last few days, I've had the opportunity to be part of some very insightful conversations, in regards to separations or long-term marriages/relationships ending.

When a long-term relationship draws to an end, it seems there are so many different emotions that everyone goes through but it's interesting how each step and the length of each step can be so different, from one person to another. First, one person or both people, have to make the decision to end it. Even that first step can seem like a daunting task and it becomes such an emotional warfare, if not for the individual, for both people. If both people have come to a mutual agreement, it seems easier to move forward, to "let go". However, one observation I've made is this; if one person made the choice, alone, the other may not be ready to look toward the future. They can become intwined in the past; what the relationship use to be, what the individual meant to that person and the importance of the life they built together. These are all anchors that weigh us down and can lead to the destruction of the individual. 

It can be the breaking point between lifting your spirit, or disintegrating your soul. 

How does the individual succeed, in continuing their journey? Being with yourself and being comfortable in your skin. Finding the stillness and appreciation for YOU. Immerse yourself in love for yourself; through stillness. Be calm and the love will come.

How to handle situations that disrupt your clarity and calmness? Know that you are NOT ALONE, EVER! Being alone can be one of the scariest moments but it's a blessing to your worth, you are never alone. You are beautiful and strong and amazing! The THOUGHT of being alone scares us more then actually BEING ALONE, so remember that. Also being mindful that you don't let the other person walk all over you, take advantage or disrespect you. We can sometimes find the loneliness too much and we would sacrifice our own happiness to be unhappy in what we know and take comfort in it, even if it's wrong because we ultimately don't want to be "alone".

What drives you forward, within a new relationship? Look at the things in the relationship and in the person you were with, that didn't work. While no one is perfect, neither are you. Admit your faults and change them, that's the first step because if you can't help yourself to grow and change, you clearly will find an individual who can't either. If there are things that require work, DO THE WORK! Find a path that works for you; meditation, exercise, proper nutrition, self-help books, therapy, hypnosis and/or medication (short-term). Whatever helps you achieve your BLISS!!!

These are only the first few steps and I'll share as we all continue the journey. Strap on your backpack and lets pack it full of love, for OURSELVES!

FALL BLISS

I love Fall! The smells, the tastes, the sights, the sounds….they are all delicious and enriched by the beauty. The multi-coloured leaves on the trees, the copious amounts of soups that fill your belly and stimulate your taste buds and the festival of scents wafting through your house; pumpkin and chai!! What do you love most about Fall?

Staying clear in the mud….

Reflecting on the weekend, brought about an observation of other peoples murky attitudes and the challenge of staying clear. If people are unwilling to grow and explore themselves, I notice that they become stuck in the mud. They take their negative traits and attitudes and project them onto others. Is it to make the other person feel uncomfortable or does misery enjoy company? If something makes someone truly happy and they aren't hurting anyone, I see no need to take away that happiness from them.

My struggle is to realize that they are unhappy and are insecure which is not a reflection of me. I'm loving and caring and do my best to make people feel welcome and supported. I remind myself to stay strong in the clarity of who I am and to let the others hang out in their own mud…I choose to be a lotus amongst them.