This was my “yoga mat” this morning. Not necessarily the nicest view. Certainly wasn’t the Aegean Sea or gorgeous islands as a few weeks back. It wasn’t even my very cozy home studio space, with my candles, incense, fireplace and all of the other comforts. AND it included zero asanas. But yet, it was powerful beyond measure, and exactly what I needed.

My morning practices are a cornerstone of my day. They set the tone. They bring me home to myself after a night of slumber. They ground and center me, allowing me to act in alignment with my higher self. In these early morning practices, I hear my inner heart beat, my guidance, and, quite often, answers to life's questions. They are usually the first thing I do in the morning (after some lemon water) because I know that if I don’t do it right away, my mind gets too overactive and I spend more time fighting myself than receiving.

But this morning was different. I had to wake early and pick up my daughter, to then deliver her to a babysitting job. And on the way home, before even arriving home to get to my morning practice, some new music hit my ears and I found myself quickly in a deep, devotional chant. By the time I reached home, I had become fully awakened to the massive swelling of emotions that were almost consuming me, previously unnoticed, suppressed (what?! Who does that? Nobody! Hahaha).

As my teachers at Yoga Farm Ithaca kept lovingly encouraging, emotions are energy in motion: you must let them flow.

So, I sat there, in my car, in my garage, with the car still running and the songs playing one after another. Born to Give. Siddhi Buddhi (Bliss). Om Guru (Trust Within). Durga Ma (Courage). Ang Sung Wahe Guru. And several others.

Sitting there, holding my heart and my throat, empowering my voice with self-Reiki. Belting out with so much emotion and devotion – devotion to my higher power, devotion to all that is and all that is meant to be. With the music loud enough to FEEL the vibration in my skin, and my own vocal chords so active that my throat and heart were in almost a numbing-level of vibration: I sat and chanted, and sang, and cried.

I cried. And sang. And cried. And chanted. I simply sat there, completely surrendering myself to all that is, to allowing the emotions flow through me without getting wrapped up in them but rather allowing them to be seen, known, witnessed, loved. Allowing them to be free within me, and flow through me.

Life’s ups and downs can feel overwhelming sometimes. And being particularly sensitive to energy and emotions around me, they can be almost crippling at moments. Today, I paused. Today, I allowed my practice to beautifully unfold just as it needed to, surrendering to the swell of sadness, love, fear, anger, frustration, anxiety… and let the vibrations of the music help me find my way back home.

What do YOU need to return home today?

With love,

Jess

Upcoming Offerings:

- Sunday evening Yin Yoga @ Many Paths Wellness studio has returned. 2 weekends per month; the next class will be 10/16. Sign up today to reserve your spot.

- One Day Retreat in Dahlonega coming November 6th (10am-2pm)! This will be through Honor Yoga Roswell. I will have the honor of leading participants through a 90 minute morning yoga class and a 90 minute afternoon session full of rich connection and meditation. Be on the lookout for more details at www.roswell.honoryoga.com and plan to join us!

- Sacred Goddess Circle is returning!! I'm calling in my tribe of strong, beautiful, heart-centered and intuition-led sisters. Join me in a monthly session of connection, yoga & movement, ritual... healing the parts of us which are often too deep for us to embrace or face in our daily lives, together. Join me October 11th; registration via Many Paths Wellness website.

- Reiki Master: I am extremely proud to announce that I completed my Usui Holy Fire® III Karuna Master training! Now a master three times over, with more wisdom and healing options at my fingertips, I'm absolutely awed with this practice. Schedule your session today via the Many Paths Wellness website!