I recently launched a monthly "Sip & Share" within our community to delve into how we can extend yoga beyond the mat. This sip and share initiative reflects a deeper understanding that yoga is not just about the poses we perform but how we live our lives each day. And with the vast and varied knowledge and experience I have with other healing modalities, we're often able to have some juicy conversations in this realm ;)

Our awareness on our mats during our asana practice allow us to begin to notice little things within ourselves, like how we may hold our breath when we're challenging ourselves physically. You may eventually come to find that you're noticing big things, or how the little things you "uncover" while in your practice actually reflect something larger in your life as well. For me, lately, this has brought me to this following reflection on Push vs. Joy.

As some of you might have noticed from my recent reflections, I've been revisiting the essence of JOY in my life. I've realized that my drive to succeed and "make things happen" has sometimes overshadowed the joyous and playful aspects of my journey. There's a lesson I recall from Bikram yoga that resonates deeply with me: "How you do something is how you do everything." This has become evident in various facets of my life:

• Health: I've been pushing so hard that I've left myself physically and energetically exhausted. My dedication has led to hormone fatigue due to relentless stress.

• Practice: My daily yoga has skewed towards more intense, disciplined sessions, where I've been forcing myself to push harder.

• Business: The drive to grow my business has mirrored this forceful approach.

• Diet: In the hustle of daily life, I've found myself opting for convenience foods rather than nourishing meals, reflecting a broader pattern of rushing through my days.

• Physical State: This continuous push manifests in my body as tension and tightness in my muscles and fascia.

• Mental and Intuitive State: The relentless mental drive has disconnected me from the intuitive guidance and flow essential in both my personal and professional life.

• Purpose and Joy: Rather than embracing each day of this journey with joy, I find it overshadowed by pressure and stress due to the high expectations and demands I place on myself.

Recognizing these patterns, rooted in childhood coping mechanisms, was the first step. They may have begun with the best intentions, but they also brought unintended consequences. Identifying these habits is where the transformative power of yoga shines—seeing these patterns means I can now make conscious choices to change them. This includes embracing more Yin energy in my life, balancing the active and receptive, the giving and receiving.

Yoga's ultimate goal is to elevate our consciousness. Much of our life is spent in autopilot, driven by subconscious patterns. The practices of yogic science offer a means to bring these unconscious habits into the light of awareness. This is crucial because it allows us to question why we do what we do and discern what is true for us. It empowers us to shift from being passive recipients of life to active creators of our destiny.

Moreover, yoga introduces us to Eastern philosophies and broader existential concepts like quantum physics and the nature of energy, expanding our understanding of the universe and our place within it. And yes, it also makes us feel physically better!

“But how do I learn these mysteries? How do I really learn this aspect of yoga? This is definitely not what I learn in a yoga class.”

If you're wondering how to access these deeper aspects of yoga, know that you don't need to undergo teacher training to discover this magic. Our "Sip & Share" sessions, group coaching programs, and one-on-one coaching are designed to explore these elements and integrate them into your life based on your personal needs and journey.

Join us to not only learn about yogic sciences but to live them, transforming your understanding of yourself and the world around you. Together, let's step into the role of conscious creators, shaping a life of deep fulfillment and purpose.

Much love and many hugs,

xoxo

Jess

P.S. Join us for June Yoga Classes, Women's Circle, Aura Events!

I know many families are traveling this month - wishing you all safe travels and fantastic moments with your loved ones! If you're around, come join us for a Yoga Class, the upcoming Women's Circle (this Monday 6/17!), or come out to one of the Aura Photography events! I'll be at Innerspace Psychic Fair this weekend! Come say Hello!

P.P.S.

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Early bird pricing for the Women’s Summer Serenity Retreat 2024 ends tomorrow! Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer to save $150 and secure your post-summer break YOU time. Lock in your spot now and invest in a transformative journey of relaxation, renewal, and personal growth.

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Take this opportunity to prioritize yourself and join us for an unforgettable retreat experience. Spaces are limited—act now! 💫