Tag Archives: yoga

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The Issues are in the Tissues

For a little over two weeks now I have been working on flexibility. It is my belief that the body reflects the Soul, and as such the aura and related blockages tend to manifest in physical body issues that, if not addressed, can become exacerbated over time.

For example, someone who has had a life-long issue with a blockage in their throat chakra will at first find their neck sore, have tension headaches, develop seasonal allergies, experience a sore and/or scratchy throat, or have other irritating but manageable problems that come and go. However, if the blockage continues unresolved, major issues such as thyroid problems or worse can develop.

In my case, my issues tend to be in my hips. My hips are tight and inflexible in certain positions. I also often get female menstrual symptoms in that area that can be quite uncomfortable. Often, when the Kundalini rises, I have residual soreness in my hips and lower abdomen. All of this points to my lower chakras – first and second specifically – being out of balance.

Recently I have also noticed I have horribly tight shoulders. This is a high heart chakra related issue but also directly related to the hours I spend at a computer or huddled over my Iphone. As a CPT and trained in muscle imbalances I know that my tight hips and shoulders are connected and to fix one I have to also address the other.

My goal, then, has been to work on my tight shoulders and hips at least twice a day. Typically I begin with foam rolling and follow up with deep stretches. This regime takes about 15 minutes, twice a day, sometimes more depending on how stiff I am. If I am working out that day, then I do two more stretching sessions, before and after my workout. Yeah, that is a lot of stretching.

As a way to measure my progress I am focusing on my deep squat, or yogi squat. I am unable to go deep into the squat because of my tight hips and calves. The only way to remedy this is to continue to practice a modified version of the yogi squat consistently and over time the muscles will get use to their new positions and adjust. To give you an idea of how bad my squat is, I have to hold onto something in order to get all the way down, otherwise I fall backward if I go below parallel. Currently, I can do 1 minute at a time before my hips begin to bother me and I have to stand up. I should be able to 4 minutes without holding onto anything for support. So I have a very long way to go.

Here is an article about the yogi squat you might find interesting. If you also struggle to get low into the squat the article can help you figure out why and give you steps to address it.

When it comes to shoulders, my goal is to be able to sit in cow faced pose without discomfort. I am able to manage the seated portion fairly easily (yay!) but the arms/shoulders are another issue. I cannot, no matter how hard I try, grab my hands or fingers in the back. I have to use a towel and even then my right shoulder is very stiff when I come out of the pose. So, like with my hips. I have to work out the knots first and then do some deep stretches to loosen up my chest and shoulders.

Cow Faced Pose 

While also stretching twice a day I am now sitting differently and changing the way I move. When I need to bend over and get something, I squat to do it, even if it means that my heels are off the ground. When I sit at my computer I sit in a low seat that forces my calves into a flexed position. When I am in bed on my computer I sit cross legged for as long as I can or take butterfly pose. So far, these daily lifestyle changes seem to be making the most difference. Not that the stretching isn’t helping, it is, but lifestyle changes put those stretches to use.

In the end, just working on the physical issues is not enough, I know that. An old saying that was often said when I was in massage school applies here – The issues are in the tissues. When I was in massage school I was giving and receiving at least one deep tissue massage a day. I soon discovered that I had bouts of crying and other intense emotion that would come and go. This, I was told, were the issues releasing as my body healed. Pretty awesome, huh? So, I am certain that as I address my current flexibility issues that issues will arise for resolution in much the same way.

Get Flexible! 

Anyone want to join me? You don’t have to do my intense regime. You can simply devote 15 minutes a day to stretching. I also recommended getting a good quality foam roller and some lacrosse and tennis balls which are great for working out knots in places like the chest, shoulders, lats (underarms), back and other harder to reach areas.

Below are some of the tools I use:

IMG_6195.JPG

Foam roller – Triggerpoint
GoFit Roll-on Massager – I love this tool! I got mine at Academy but have seen it at Target, too.
BodyGlove massage bar (they have one on the GoFit website, too) – great for quadriceps.
Double ball (for thoracic spine/back)
Not shown – tennis ball

If you have no idea how to use these tools, check out the how-to videos here. There are also tons on YouTube. Basically, you roll a muscle area (thighs, back, calves, etc) and when you feel soreness or sensitivity you stop and hold firm for 30 seconds. Then follow with 30 seconds of stretching for the muscle you just foam rolled.

Here are some videos I recommend for stretching:

If you decide to try this, give it at least 30 days. You will be tempted to give up because if you are tight some of the poses will be uncomfortable (they should never hurt, though). I break a sweat from the intensity sometimes, especially those stretches involving my hips and shoulders. Ugh! But, you should begin to notice you are less stiff as you progress.

Good luck and let me know how it goes! I will be updating with my own progress over time.

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Yoga for the Hips

I’ve been doing a self-created yoga practice almost every night now for over two weeks. My goal has been to open up my hips and increase hip mobility.

I’ve been doing some heavy weight lifting lately and noticed that my body is very stiff compared to what it was in 2012 when I last lifted heavy weights. I was not able to go to parallel on the squat anymore without major form issues (eek!). I also noticed my hips hurt at the hip crease (hip flexors) during the squat, which is not suppose to happen. My range of motion on deadlift was bad in 2012 and hadn’t change. The only way I could deadlift was to do the sumo variation because my hips were too tight. I felt really old and out of shape when I picked up weights again – neither of which is true!

Did you notice I used past tense in the above paragraph? That’s because I have resolved all my issues and I am pretty confident that it is because of yoga! No more hip crease discomfort during the squat and I am squatting 110lbs already. 🙂 I can get to parallel just fine, maybe even a little below now, too. And I am, for the first time ever, using standard deadlift form with ease even at 120lbs. Yay!

Spiritually speaking, my hips tend to be where I hold energy. I have lots of stuck energy there (2nd and 3rd chakras). Yoga helps break up and move that energy. So I am killing two birds with one (yoga) stone – spiritual blocks and physical ones. 😉

I figured I would share (and document) my self-made yoga practice in case anyone would like to try it. I will warn you, if you are a beginning, some of the poses are quite intense and will most definitely need to be modified. When I first started out I was modifying like crazy. Now, though, I need it less and less. The only pose I find myself really modifying now is the side lateral bend/revolved head to knee pose. I have tight lats and lower back so I can’t go very far. Definitely not head to knee! haha

Just an FYI – I am not a yoga teacher. I’ve never even taken a yoga class – well online but that doesn’t count does it? I am a NASM certified personal trainer with a CES  (Corrective Exercise Specialist) certificate, though.

Yoga to Open Hips
Approximate time 15-20 minutes
Yoga Pose List and image source

This entire practice is done seated. You may need a block or bolster/blankets, so have them nearby.

Start in Thunderbolt pose, sitting on your knees. You can put a pillow or folded blanket under you if you need support or your quads are tight.

Put your hands together in front of your heart and tilt your chin slightly down as if you are praying. Sit and breathe for six to eight breaths. This would be the time to set an intention.

Continue to sit in Thunderbolt. Lean forward and touch your head to the floor and fold your arms along your sides. If you can’t quite reach the floor, rest your forehead on your hands or a block. Take four to five slow breaths.

Move into half pigeon. Stay in this pose for 12 breaths. Repeat on the other side. Go as low as you feel comfortable.

Slowly sit up and take butterfly pose. I do this against a wall but you don’t have to. Bring your feet in toward your groin as far as you comfortably can. Hold your feet and relax, letting your knees fall out. Stay in this pose for as long as you can, aiming for 30 breaths.

Straighten your legs and move into a forward fold/bend. Only go as far as you comfortably can. Bend your knees slightly if you have tight hamstrings. Stay in this pose for 2-3 breaths.

Move into Half Shoelace. Keep your left leg straight in front of you, foot flexed. Take the other leg and fold it over the other at the knee, putting your heel up against your left thigh. Lean forward and touch your toes or go as far forward as you comfortably can. Take about 10-12 breaths. Repeat on other side.

Now move into full Shoelace pose, meaning the knees are stacked with feet on opposite sides of your hips. Lean forward and touch your forehead to your stacked knees if you can. Stay in this pose for 12-15 breaths. You can take Eagle Arms here if you like or Cow Faced Pose, both work with Shoelace pose.

Slowly come out of the pose and lay down on your back. Take Bridge pose and hold for 6-8 breaths. Feel free to clasp your hands in the middle, under your raised hips for a nice shoulder stretch.

Slowly come out of Bridge pose and take Happy Baby. If you can’t comfortable hold onto your feet then hold onto the backs of your knees. Hold for 10-12 breaths.

Bring both knees into your chest and hold for a couple of breaths then extend one leg and flex the foot while keeping the other knee up at your chest (Winding release pose). Hold 3-4 breaths then go into Revolved Abdomen pose for a nice back stretch. Hold 8-10 breaths. Repeat on the other side.

Slowly sit up and extend legs for Revolved Head to Knee pose (modified or unmodified). Hold each side for 5-6 breaths.

Finally, take child’s pose and relax for as long as you need. If you want to go into Savasana that is okay, too.

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Opening to the Flow

Almost two weeks ago I started an online subscription to Kundalini Yoga. The main reason I was drawn to it was because I felt guided to it in order to help resolve the sluggish energy of my lower chakras.

The site I go to is for Guru Rattana called yogatech.com. Overall I like her energy and the classes, though long, are topic driven which allows me to choose areas to focus on. I have been focusing on the heart, the lower charkas and the feminine as well as the elements of water and earth.

If you want to try out some of Guru Rattana’s classes, you can sign up for a subscription that gives you 48 hours to preview the content. If you decide to do this, I suggest these classes:

Air element – Set Yourself Free.

Earth element – Awakening our Heart Center.

Water element – The Urge to Merge (Sa Ta Na Ma meditation at the end), Connecting to our Feminine Polarity, and The Flowing Force.

Meeting Life’s Challenges – Heart Opening 1 & 2, and From Fear to Love

Looking above at all the classes I think, “I’ve been busy.” LOL Yes, I have. Notice I didn’t include any fire element. I haven’t done any of those classes. I figure I have plenty of fire already. Probably better to hang out in the water element section. 😉

My least favorite part of the class are the kriyas and my favorite part is the meditation. My favorite mediation thus far is called Sa Ta Na Ma. I noticed significant energetic shifts when I did this meditation. My favorite kriya thus far was for the lower chakras but I cannot recall the name now. It is mainly sitting upright in easy pose, breathing in as you bend your spine forward slightly and then breathing out forcefully as you sit up straight again. Breathe of fire continues to be my favorite breathing/pranayama exercise, though the cooling breath is another I found helpful.

After over a week of Kundalini yoga I have noticed a significant decrease in anxiety levels and less intestinal issues (IBS specifically). My mind is clearer and quieter overall and my sleep is deeper and more restful.

yinyang

A Tool for Anxiety

An anxiety incident occurred about two days into my practice. I was driving to work and began to have an anxiety attack as I waited at a stop light. At the time I noticed a billboard that said, “Relax” and so relaxed and took deep breaths. I also began to move my lower body as if dancing as I sat in my car. The movement helps to release stuck energy. As I moved the symptoms noticeably diminished to the point of a very low level nervousness.

I have driven many times since and have found that if I feel into my body, listen to it and breath deeply that I can stave off the beginnings of the anxiety and keep an attack from happening.

Feminine Flow

I have been focusing on learning how to tune into my feminine side more. This means focusing on feeling the body, the energy of the body, and just flowing with the feeling rather than trying to figure out what a feeling means. I have to shut off the mind and just be fluid.

A week into my practice and I wasn’t sure if I had really accomplished much in the way of feeling and flowing. However, it was soon proven that I had.

A few nights ago I had a breakthrough in this area. As I was doing my nightly tuning-in I felt drawn to visualize the masculine form. I saw a beautiful, swirling aura of blue, purple and pink and was invited to feel into it like I feel into my own flow. When I did this I experienced a merging with this male energy and my heart exploded in a warm, deep energy that then shot into my lower chakras. I was able to feel the masculine’s desire for me as if my own. Also, it was as if this male energy’s awareness became my own and was all around me and within me. The feeling of the connection was deeper and more solid than I have ever felt. I kept feeling into it and the more I did this the more I felt as if I would cease to exist and become this energy. Therefore I eventually shifted into my mind and lost the connection. I could return to it and did so several times but the depth was just too much and not something I have ever experienced before.

I was so excited after this experience that I couldn’t return to sleep for over 3 hours afterward. It was amazing to me just how easy it was to turn the switch from the masculine, mental space to the feminine, flowing space. I liken it to shifting OOB. The sensation is similar in many ways. It is almost like I “blink” and then enter the new space.

Since this experience I have been paying more attention to my physical body and emotions, shifting into my feminine flow whenever I feel “off” in any way. When I feel energy stronger in one area than another, I feel into it, go deeper and allow the energy to show me why it is there. Usually it is enough to simply acknowledging the energy/emotion/physical sensation that is present.

The issue with my anxiety attacks is that my mind runs rampant and creates stuck energy by fixating on the areas that feel off. Mental focus sticks the energy there, almost like a taser beam holding it in place. Stuck energy intensifies, creating more discomfort or symptoms until it can be released. Feeling into the energy, however, allows it to move as it is meant to so that it can be fully expressed.

I have been practicing going into the flow around my family as well. It has allowed me to be more in tune with what my body wants in regards to intimacy, acceptance, compassion, love and freedom. Instead of judging what I feel, I go deeper into it. This reveals truth where perhaps before there was suppression, judgement and self-criticism brought about by patterns, beliefs and resistances perpetuated by the mind in response to a disconnect with the emotional body.

If you decide to try this, please share your experiences. If you have already done Kundalini Yoga or practice it regularly, I would love to hear about your experiences, realization, wins, etc.

 

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Growing Up

Again I apologize for the long lag in posts. I just don’t feel motivated in this regard much these days. Since February my blog has become a non-priority. There are no considerations like I use to have such as – No one would notice if I don’t write. No one cares anyway.…etc. All those “poor me” thoughts desperate for some kind of acknowledgment and validation. Instead my mind is just blank and there is no desire to share like there use to be.

This shift includes a loss of desire and interest in dream interpretation for the most part as well. I do occasionally document a dream here and there but analysis is limited. I recognize that analysis of my dreams often leads me to speculation about future events. This in and of itself is not healthy for me. So, I can see the purpose behind it.

Of the dreams I do recall and take time to write down, there are themes indicating a “growing up” or maturation process is occurring. In fact, I had a string of dreams over the course of a couple of weeks where I observed the growth of my “daughter” from infancy to adulthood.

The only reason I recall the dreams about my daughter’s maturation process is that my partner in Spirit made appearances, sometimes within the dream of upon waking. Here is one example. This was from a dream in which my daughter, previously a toddler, had grown to the point of experiencing her first menses. I was washing her soiled garments when my partner approached me in the dream:

……..an older man who resembled Robert Redford came up and put his hand on my left hip. I felt our connection but ignored it all the while nervous he would instigate something more intimate and I would not be able to resist him. He was very gentle with me and kind……..Toward the end of the dream he came up behind me again and touched me gently on the shoulder. He pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me from behind, and offered me a plate full of doughnuts and danishes – all sweet foods. I did not take one. I could feel the beautiful connection we shared intensify and it woke me up.

I have not spent much time analyzing what these dreams mean overall, but I suspect that a new aspect was born from my February embodiment and is in the process of maturing. Eventually she (me) will be ready for what lies ahead. I can only speculate as to what that is.

Life is to be Lived

In the meanwhile, I have been focused primarily on living life. A Zen proverb applies here – Before enlightenment, chop wood carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood carry water. I’m not saying I am “enlightened” by any means, but I did experience or get a taste of it in February. There is no way a person comes away from such an experience unchanged; however, life goes on.

Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. -Zen ...

For me life consists of family obligations and the usual day-to-day tasks that go with it. The main difference now is that I perform the tasks of living with an awareness that was not present before. This new awareness reminds me daily, hourly, sometimes by the minute, to apply what I have learned in each new moment – surrender and acceptance is the lesson.

During my embodiment experience surrender and acceptance came easy. I lived and breathed it in every moment. Life was so much easier, much more beautiful and flowing, during that time. I got to experience the reality of a life of acceptance and ease. It was my reality for three solid weeks.

Since then that reality has broken down somewhat. This was/is purposeful, for the human experience is not meant to be easy but to challenge us to step up and into our full potential. Life and all the illusions that goes with this reality acts as barriers to the ease and acceptance that is our true nature as Spirit. The lesson now, for me and many others like me, is to learn to bring forward into this reality our Light; to embrace the “chop wood, carry water” routine without expectation, fully surrendering to the experience and the moment, and carrying with us the Memory of who We Are so that our Light can penetrate the density of this physical reality.

Additionally, I am learning how to recognize and prevent the Ego from taking over and resuming it’s dictatorial rule over this life, body and physical experience. Just because I experienced an “Ego death” does not mean the Ego was eliminated nor does it mean that it cannot return from the dead. This requires diligence and a conscious effort on my part. The Ego has the advantage. It has been ruler for this entire life and has established itself via habits and beliefs based upon the illusion of this physical reality. Tearing it down was just the beginning. Keeping it down is the real challenge.

My method is to not use force to keep it down but to instead use love and understanding. I listen to it without becoming the effect of it. Then I talk to it and help it to understand, to Remember, and show it my perspective. So far this is working, but there have been occasional upsets along the way. It is to be expected.

Plans

Currently, the plan is to “stay the course” in regards to my life situation. This means no major changes are to be made to my life path or circumstances at present. You can imagine how difficult these instruction are for the Ego to digest. It wants to know “how long?” and “then what?” It’s reaction is very similar to that of a two-year-old child and as such loving reminders need to be provided at consistent intervals in order to stave off tantrums.

At present the main objective on a personal level is, as I mentioned previously, live life with acceptance and ease. Personally, the focus has been on healing and balance of the physical body. Many lessons involved here, but the main ones are how to listen to the body and how to maintain it and avoid break downs. Similar to a car, we humans tend to use up our bodies until they break down and force us to listen and perform necessary maintenance. When young, it is easy to ignore the body’s cues to us because the signals it sends are rarely intensely painful or alarming. They are there, but overlooked as “growing pains” or some lesser condition.

If you are like me, then you just push past those minor body complaints. Most young people do this and, as there are no major complications to follow, continue to do so until such complications present themselves. This, I am learning, is a big no-no.

How am I learning this? Well, mostly I seem to have become hyper-aware of all sorts of body complaints that I was not aware of before. They were always present but I ignored them. I had become so use to ignoring my body that I didn’t even notice them. But now I am so much more in-tune with my body that I am noticing all kinds of things that are in need of repair. Nothing major, thankfully, but they could easily turn into much more complicated issues without proper rest and healing.

The main method of repairing my body for me continues to be yoga. The Ego and I have lots of arguments about it, though. “Yoga is boring” is the primary complaint. lol This is very true in comparison with all the high intensity exercise routines (running, weight lifting, HIIT, boot camp) that are my normal go-to stress relief. Yet I know deep down these high-intensity workouts are taking a toll on my body and are not conducive to a pain-free, healthy and functional body in the future. The message I received in February and continue to receive (Remember) is that less is more in regards to high-intensity exercise. My tendency is the opposite and my goal is to slowly work my way toward a more balanced fitness routine incorporating more yoga and mobility training while slowly eliminating high-intensity exercises.

What yoga does is force you to feel and listen to your body. It is very mentally and physically challenging in it’s own right. I attribute my new hyper-sensitivity to my body to all the yoga I have been doing. My HS and inner Knowing is saying, “More yoga please.” It is leading me toward certification but my Ego has a lot of fear regarding this path despite knowing it will lead to a much more balanced, healthy and happy life.

In February, I was excited about yoga and accepted the path toward certification without hesitation. Since then the Ego has worked hard to diverge from that path. Yet the messages still get through. For example, this week alone I had several messages all pointing to the certification path. There is a certification workshop in Atlanta, GA in September I figured I could go to and then visit my friends in TN. But it kept being put off and was all but forgotten until this week. Out of the blue a reminder came to mind. “Don’t forget,” it said. All kinds of reasons and excuses came to mind. So no decision was made.

A week passed.

Then, when running a 5K race, I met a guy who just kept talking to me and being friendly. He looked like a young Ewan McGregor. Really. lol Anyway, he talked to me before the race and then again at the end of the race. Turns out he won the 5K. 1st place. After some talking I discovered he was visiting Austin from Nashville. I thought it odd but ignored the “coincidence”.

Later in the day I went for a walk and parked right across the street from my house was a car with Georgia plates. It is still parked there. lol

All the while my SIL and BIL were visiting family in Dalton and Atlanta, GA and sending us photos of their road trip.

Eventually I was like, “Okay, what gives?” lol

Since then my guidance continues to nudge me toward attending the workshop, but I keep contacting an (illogical) fear of this path. So, we compromised by purchasing a yoga video package that will prep me for the workshop should I opt to go. I have until July to decide.

In the meanwhile, I opted to do the first video in the package I bought. It was a grounding flow that lasted over an hour. When I finished I felt….different. It is hard to say how really but my body felt lighter and more limber. My energy was light but grounded. It felt really good.

Finally, I want to share a vision that continues to visit me in regards to this whole yoga path. It is really more of a feeling and sense than a visual, but I do get visual flashes here and there. The feeling is flowing and calm, without stress or anxiety. I feel centered and solid in this body and life. Purpose is present as well. Work isn’t “work” anymore. It is enjoyable and part of my daily, healthy regime that balances mind, body and Spirit. The visuals are mostly colors – muted blue, indigo and pink like stained glass. There is also a sense of belonging and a group of friends who are like family.

Of course, the Ego can’t accept any of this vision as a possibility. Stress and worry are her reality. Take that away and replace it with ease and acceptance and it scares her. She is left grappling for anything familiar to hold onto. So we ease into change, show her that it isn’t scary and IS possible.

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Sthira Sukham Asanam

As the theme of impermanence continues to be brought up for my inspection I am beginning to recognize pieces of a far greater message coming through. That message is more of a feeling than something that can be put into words. So, I will let the message speak to you itself, as it has been speaking to me.

I am going to post a song and an article. Listen to the song while you read the article. Listen and read until you understand. If you do not feel called to read or listen, that is fine, too.

Namaste,

Dayna

 

Article: Sthira Sukham Asanam – Finding That Sweet Spot

Lyrics:

Sthira Sukham Asanam
Sthira Sukham Asanam

Far away in a distant past
In another time
All the words you’ve ever spoken
Live in me now

These feelings blow around me
Feel that I could fall
Blinded by the light of yesterday

But on this path, I can see
What lies behind the mystery
Each step I take, a passing dream

Destiny
Lord you live in me
As the unchanging

In light I hear a calling
Of what was and what one will be
And the cry of two souls yearning
To know their worth

I don’t walk this path alone
Everything is changing
Beneath the stillness of the sky
I take your hand

On this path, I can see
What hides behind the mystery
Each step I take, a passing dream

Destiny
Lord you live in me
As the unchanging

Sthira Sukham Asanam
Sthira Sukham Asanam

On this path, I can see
This red road
Beneath our feet

Destiny

While the dance of creation
Changes around me
In the halls of eternity
I shall remain safe

Sthira Sukham Asanam
Sthira Sukham Asanam
Sthira Sukham Asanam – Lord you live in me
Sthira Sukham Asanam – As the unchanging
Sthira Sukham Asanam – In this dream
Sthira Sukham Asanam

 

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The Best Path is Your Own

It is seldom that I feel like blogging these days. At first, it felt wrong, like I was letting all of you down by not posting my thoughts, insights and experiences. I have since realized that it is merely that I no longer feel I need external acceptance and validation. Where my morning routine once consisted of sometimes more than one hour of dedicating a part of myself – my energy – to blogging, now that time and energy is entirely dedicated to stabilizing and grounding my energy through a dedicated yoga practice.

I wanted to share with you all what nearly 8 weeks of daily yoga practice has taught me. Firstly, yoga forces you to feel your body and energy. It brings to the surface thoughts and mind chatter – similar to meditation. The main difference, however, is that yoga, through its various asanas, assists you in feeling the energy pathways of your body.

Previously I thought I was good at sensing my own energy and blockages. Well now I know that my awareness of my physical and energetic bodies was – is still – juvenile compared to the mature sense that it could – SHOULD – be.

I have just recently begun to notice during my daily practice the areas where energy is stuck or not moving. It reveals itself via a feeling of resistance. For example, I wrote in my yoga journal just today:

When I do JM (Joint Mobility) drills I notice certain energy flows that are resistant. It makes me feel tense and then with acknowledgment it releases. Sometimes I have several of these resistant flows throughout JM drills. Most of the resistance is around my hips.

Joint mobility drills are a precursor to my yoga practice, preparing my body for movement. They are simplistic but extremely important. The resistance reveals itself in many forms, the most common being a physical tenseness with a holding in of breath, but a short second would be that my thoughts muddle up or become clouded.

Inevitably, by the end of my 30 minute practice I feel grounded, clear, and exceptionally happy compared to before my practice. If I wake feeling anxious or grumpy, yoga completely shifts me out of that state and into present time. Thankfully, I have been waking up feeling optimistic and excited for the day for weeks now. It is rare that I wake up feeling negative these days.

I wanted to share with you a video that was shared on FB by one of my online friends this morning. It explains why I am experiencing the changes that I am and I hope it sways those of you who do not participate in a regular yoga practice to do so.

The Best Path is Your Own

Now I want to shift gears and share with you a lesson I am learning within my own family. Before I do so, however, I want to share how I was led to awareness of this lesson.

When I experienced my soul exchange I came into contact and then merged with my Higher Self, a part of me that has always been with me but has been unable to fully join me within this vessel/body for various reasons I will not go into now. This “Higher Self” is a compilation of all aspects of me – it is not one Being or Being-ness but a conglomeration of all Being-nesses from various vibrations and frequencies spanning all of Me that has been, will be and currently IS within this Time space. So with merging with ALL of Me I was shown my present life circumstance (relationships, locations, connections, lessons, etc) and its purpose within the bigger and much broader picture that is my existence and spans all of ME.

To grasp finally why I am where I am and experiencing what I am was in and of itself an awakening for various reasons. With this understanding came total acceptance and willingness to experience anything. “Good” and “Bad” mattered not. Where previously I was resistant because of my own wants/desires (Ego) I now am willing and open to completing what I started.

The main component of this acceptance came in understanding the purpose behind my marriage. Previously I had resisted my relationship to my husband, seeing only our differences and concluding that our paths had diverged. Since the exchange, however, I am resolute in my promise to fulfill the contract I have with my husband not only for my own growth and advancement but his. In fact now, his growth comes before my own, where previously my own would have superseded his.

As if to bring into my mental awareness all I have just stated above, articles and posts online were brought to my attention. One such article is by Ram Dass – How do we awaken in a way that doesn’t push away those we love? 

When I read the article I was first reminded of something my “partner” (this is my Companion, my guidance, my HS) has been telling me ever since the exchange. When I inquire as to why I feel unable to share some things I hear, “DO NO HARM.” And this message comes through loud and clear in Ram Dass’ article.

But also this, “Another way of saying this is that those people that you are with, because of your karma, because of the nature of things, you start to work with their presence. They become your curriculum.”

I understood when reading this that I am being asked to participate in the lesson that is my life, my marriage and all that it entails. By rejecting it, by resisting it and making excuses as to why I need to disconnect from my life, I have been delaying not only my own progress, but his and my children’s.

This morning this message was further expounded upon via a text conversation with my husband. He has his own spiritual path, one that I have also traveled but I mostly dabble in, using aspects that I agree with and ignoring the rest. Our differences have long been a source of our disagreements and thus have been, unfortunately, the focus when they should not have been.

My husband recently had a setback on his path. This is a part of our text conversation this morning:

“The biggest win from this trip is knowing I have you in my corner when push comes to shove. It certainly gives me a New Perspective. I guess I kind of got knocked off my “high horse” a little bit! Sometimes one realizes maybe they aren’t the smartest one after all. Perhaps your alternative path is even better than my own.”

I replied, “The best path is your own.”

Our conversation triggered huge understanding on my part and all of what I wrote above came together, bringing Clarity.

One final thing I want to communicate. For those of you struggling right now (the energies have been off the charts intense), please know that all your work is not in vain. You are progressing. You will get there. The answers really do lie within. Look within for all you are seeking. Everything is within you. The process is not active. It is not a DO-ing. It is a BE-ing. Embrace everything you are – the Dark, the Light, the scary, the intoxicating. Fall into it. Surrender to it. The feeling will fool you into thinking it will destroy you. It won’t. It burns away the lies and deception and leaves only the Truth.

I love you all.

Namaste,

Dayna

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SAHM Again and Loving It

Day two of being a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) again. Well, technically four but I’m only counting the workdays. I’m loving not working again. It feel so free! Nothing like going back to work full-time to remind a person just how restrictive  it can be. It is also nice that my husband is out of town. When he’s gone, I am free to be in my own space and energy. The awareness which has come with his absence and my time away from work has been great. My energy body is different. Bigger? Maybe. Hard to put my finger on it, but because of it my physical body feels different, too. I am just……different.

Current Reading

Now that I have time again to myself, I’ve been drawn back to reading. For a few days I have been reading a book long ago recommended which I finally purchased. The book is Through the Eyes of Love: Journeying with Pan by Michael Roads. I limit myself to two or three chapters a night. So far I am on Chapter 9. Enjoying it immensely. His experiences remind me of my own except his are done via his Light Body while mine are while OOB and in the in-between. I suspect I can do what he does if given the right amount of space and alone time. 🙂 In fact, I think I use to prior to 2007 but it scared me.

There are some quotes from the book that I wish to share. They struck a chord with me, so maybe they will for you, too.

Previously I was wild and headstrong, filled with the need of drama and trauma, because this made it more real, more indelible – even though I never realized this. Any task that Pan set for me I performed with the maximum amount of suffering, caused by my reluctance and resistance. Yet, with Pan’s guidance and my persistence, I came to that place of Truth, of spiritual enlightenment, the place where self is surrendered to Self.
~ Chapter 3

When I read the above quote I smiled and thought, “Sounds like me.” Why do I have to resist everything? It only causes pain and suffering. BTW Pan is Michael’s guide for lack of a better word.

Because of that attachment there could be no mobility, no expansion in my consciousness, no real growth, nothing truly creative, and nothing of true Love. An attachment is just that, an anchor firmly embedded in sameness. Like it or not, this is stagnation.
~ Chapter 7

This quote hit home for me. I have experienced this “stagnant” feeling and recognized it was because of a hefty amount of attachment.

I choose all. I choose to no longer be frightened that my reality is not real. To no longer be frightened to step fully into the metaphysical. To no longer be frightened to accept my reality as the only reality in which I can live fully. I choose to accept that this is my reality; a reality that is, and will always be, far greater than my understanding of it. I choose a reality that is rich in Wonder and Mystery, a reality that grows and expands as I grow and expand.
~ Chapter 7

I actually used the above as an affirmation the other night. Rather than feel stuck in the middle of two realities, why not just accept that this is my reality, one that is full of Wonder and Mystery, just like the author said? I like that much better, thank you.

Never resist thoughts, or you will create thoughts to resist. Just ignore them. Take your attention away from them. Do not engage them or be concerned with them. Like a neglected plant, they will wither, losing the energy and vitality they need to thrive.
~ Chapter 9

This is actually almost word-for-word the advice given to me by my guidance once upon a time. 🙂

I’ll post more quotes as they call to me. So far, this book reminds me of Conversations with God, another one of my favs.

Breath of Joy

Even when working, yoga was part of my spiritual practice and continues to be so. I usually practice yoga three or more times a week. My goal is at least 20 minutes each time. I typically do more. My favorite website for yoga is doyogawithme.com so last night I used my new TV for just that.

Side note: What an awesome invention the Smart TV is! I loved being able to use my huge TV screen to do yoga. Love, love, love it!

Anyway, I did a new video and learned a new breath – the Breath of Joy. What an awesome breath! Not only that, but there was also the three-part breath and Breath of Fire in the same video. I got a good breathing workout last night and really enjoyed it. Maybe that is why I had so many OBEs this morning? Who knows, but I really recommend Breath of Joy. It just feels good.

 

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Find Your Focal Point

Yet another late morning. I seem to be integrating all the intense energies, purging and Shifting that has been my life for the last week. The full moon is also fast approaching and I typically feel the energies associated with it a few days before and after. Apparently, this full moon is a super moon in Aries. Get ready to feel the fire and get your butt burned into action! lol That’s all I need, more fire in my ass (rolling eyes).

There has been quite a bit of talk about it being decision time right now. Do we choose to stay enmeshed in 3D and our typical life patterns or do we take a leap of faith and embrace 5D? I can see this clearly in my own life situation right now. I feel like I am walking a tight rope. My balance is wavering with each step and the other side, my destination, seems impossible to reach. I hear my guidance reminding me, “One step at a time.” Sounds familiar. I have learned this lesson before. And it works to just look far enough ahead to take the next step. Looking too far ahead can be intimidating and throw you off balance. I think tight rope walkers know this better than anyone! Find your focal point and keep it and you will reach your destination in no time.

Reminds me of certain yoga poses like Tree Pose. I always lose my balance if I don’t have a focal point….

Funny, I was feeling really disheartened before I wrote that last paragraph and now not so much. Makes me laugh how my guidance comes through sometimes.

So my car is acting up again. What is up with that!? This time a light continues to flash. It is the airbag light. When it flashes it means the airbag is malfunctioning and I should take it to the dealership so they can hook it up to a machine and flip a switch and then charge me buttloads of money. If I consider the symbolism behind it, I think of how right now I feel like I have no safety net to catch me. Like I am taking a huge leap of faith into a deep, black abyss of the unknown. Thankfully the seat belt is not malfunctioning, just the airbag. Airbags just give you black eyes anyway, right? lolol

blackcatlove

Dreams and Symbols

I continue to have tons of dreams and the symbolism continues to amaze me. Last night I had cats in my dream again. This time they were found hiding inside my black pick-up truck. The cat was black and purring. It had been hiding in the wheel well and then jumped into the truck and joined several other cats. I remember petting it and wanting to take care of it. This is in stark contrast to my past cat dreams where I always wanted them to go away  or they were injured or starving. Guess I am embracing my feminine aspect finally. Yay for me!

In another dream I was taking a test and got flustered so went for a walk. I ended up sitting at a desk outside a classroom holding my head in my hands. There was a teacher there, an old coworker. In real life this cowoker had made a bad decision which cost her her job. I showed her I had completed an entire page of my essay but the feeling was that I was distracted by another assignment that I had yet to complete and it was getting in the way. The feeling was of total exhaustion and a desire to give up. I eventually left the room and could barely squeeze out the door which had somehow shrunk in size since I had gone through it. Feeling stuck and preoccupied with past due assignments. lol

In another dream I was in a white car that had no driver. The car was going very fast and then stopped at the theater. I went inside, knowing I had a ticket in my back pocket. I had to get in line to give them my ticket. As I stood there, I was joined by a dark haired man who took my hand. I knew he loved me but I felt uncomfortable, unworthy of his love. Yet at the same time I wanted to hold his hand, so I did. That is when I turned and saw the obese man and woman. I knew them. The woman was me even though she looked the complete opposite of me – dark hair and eyes and much shorter. I felt disgusted when I saw them, total rejection. A thinner version of the woman then appeared in my mind and told me that they had to complete a contract before they could continue with their own. I saw this contract as a highway construction job. There was also discussion about them losing a lawsuit because they had signed the papers with “Mr. and Mrs.” She told me it they would have won had they remained separate.

I also woke up crying from a dream in which I was being unfairly criticized for not following the crowd. When I woke up I was thinking, “Why are people so mean!?”

Overall, my dreams seem to imply that I am on the right path but I can’t rush the process. There remains an assignment/contract yet to be completed and I can’t leave it unfinished because I want to work on the next/current one.

 

 

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Something’s Up

Perhaps it is the solar flare activity again or maybe there is another influx of ascension energy (or maybe the two are one in the same?), but I can sense a shift about to take place.

It is hard to put my finger on the exact feeling, so it is hard to describe how it feels. What I will say about the feeling is that it is similar to being put on alert when there is an approaching storm; like a tornado warning. It is not all doom and gloom but more like there is a possibility that something will affect me and my immediate surroundings.

I am, of course, taking it all in stride. There is no immediate threat to me, if threat is even the right word. Like in a tornado warning, I am not concerned. We get them (tornado warnings) all the time in Texas and very rarely does it result in anything other than a thunderstorm. Similarly, I have been through many, many energetic shifts on this path of ascension and so I am use to nothing much happening.

Last night was when the shift in energy became most noticeable. I was watching T.V. and my attention was drawn away from the screen to my Higher Self and that was when the alert feeling occurred. Later, I did 55 minutes of Hatha Yoga and felt my head begin to buzz with energy. This was soon followed by my third eye. The energy then snaked down to my throat area and settled about where my thyroid is located. I became so relaxed during this meditation break that when the woman’s voice returned my entire body twitched because I had forgotten I was doing a video.

When I settled down to sleep I again felt the alert feeling and thought perhaps I would have one of my interesting and somewhat intense nightly excursions OOB. But nothing of the sort happened. Instead, I slept very deeply and had many dreams, one in which I met up with my ex-husband and then watched as streamers of light shot off into the starry sky over an ocean of blue dotted with tropical islands.

When I awoke the song A Rush of Blood to the Head was going through my head as was the song, Come Home. The latter was just the part of the song that says, “So, come home” and the former the part, “And they call as they beckon you on, They said, Start as you mean to go on”.

The feeling is still here today. It is something I just can’t quite put my finger on. So I stay on alert to whatever is coming.

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Kundalini Yoga Results

I felt drawn to do yoga last night. I selected a Kundalini yoga class which focused on the sacral plexus (2nd chakra). I didn’t feel anything significant occur when I did it and I found it quite difficult because it invovled a back bend and the breath of fire which I am not accustomed to doing.

Later, I meditated prior to bed. It was the second meditation of the day and I felt the familiar energy helmet almost immediately but it was more intense at the top, back portion of my crown. I fell asleep on my back, my crown still buzzing.

Along with the other two dreams I posted today, I had a very vivid experience in which there was sexual content. I won’t go into detail here but I will say that my second chakra was quite active. The dream itself did not wake me up, which is good, and it was very apparent that the purpose of the dream was to activate my lower three chakras. When I awoke I recognized the Kundalini yoga served its purpose.

For those who are interested, this is the yoga video I did. It is at the intermediate level but I do not think it too difficult for beginners. However, if you are new to Kundalini yoga, you may want to first do the Kundalini Yoga for Beginners video.

https://www.doyogawithme.com/content/kundalini-yoga-sacral-chakra