Mindful Smacks

Every week Elena Brower, founder and co-owner of Virayoga in NYC, posts a video on her blog the Art of Attention. Her posts—creatively called: Mindful Smacks—are great reminders of how to live a more conscious, loving and healthy life. I frequently integrate these messages into my teachings and find it a valuable resource. This 'smack' is about being with people where they are.

I really love her honesty and no-nonense approach—getting right to the heart of the matter. Listen to more of Elena's Mindful Smacks here.

When you're Green with Envy

I currently have Care of the Soul, by Thomas Moore on my nightstand—a book that my mentor had read and quoted in one of her classes. Curious, I picked it up and have read a couple of the chapters that have peaked my interest. One such chapter talks about dealing with feelings of jealousy and envy. I would like to think that I am capable of controlling such feelings and that they don't really affect me but, alas, I know that is not true.

The author explains that when such feelings surface it is usually due to a conflict with our values and beliefs, basically stirring the pot within us. The only way out of jealousy is through it. Uncomfortable feelings are formed in part from opening up to unexplored territory—all of a sudden you need to look at yourself and what you think and believe to be right or wrong. 

Instead of trying to identify with these feelings, the author suggest that we let go and let the feelings work themselves out—it's not about suppressing or ignoring—but simply, allowing ourselves to just feel. Eventually these feelings dissipate and in essence, the conflict within has worked itself out. 

I brought this idea up in one of my yoga classes this week, relating to the feelings that come up when we hold a pose for a longer period of time. Our mind races and we try to stipple any feelings of discomfort. If we can find a way to breath through those initial feelings, we can come to find a place of calm and ease. Like a student explained at the end of class—it's like diving under a wave in the ocean and letting the feelings wash over you. 

Photo: Just breath, Care of the Soul series by Tracy Evans.