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Dear Edi,
In this season of gift giving, my offering to you is a
guided meditation (the very first from "I Do" Yoga) to
help you relax and reconnect with yourself.
I hope you try it and find it helpful. The link is to the
right and the articles in this newsletter will tell you
more about it. Let me know what you think!
My warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday
season!
Namaste,
Edi
| Engagement Surprise - Commencement not Culmination! |
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The biggest surprise for me in getting married was
how much personal growth was required. Even
though I was almost 40 on my Big Day and had spent
my share of time with therapists and spiritual
teachers, there was still more to learn. Engagement,
it turned out was more commencement than
culmination.
Between engagement ring and wedding day, you may
find yourself:
- shifting your primary role from daughter/son
to wife/husband,
- coming to terms with apparently narrowing life
choices,
- learning to make tough decisions with another person, and
- standing gracefully in the center of intimate and loving attention.
The growth the wedding asks of us is absolutely
required for a happy, healthy marriage. To
paraphrase Richard Schnark, a renowned relationship
therapist, "No one is ready for marriage. Getting
married makes you ready.”
And, the intensity of wedding growth means it can
get messy. Remember Bridezilla?
For me it was yoga that helped me live through the
growing pains with a certain grace and
thoroughness.
Luckily, what's important from yoga is not learning to
do a headstand or to put your leg behind your head,
it's about living with equanimity, compassion and
authenticity.
Yoga helps you stay calm and more even-keeled and
makes the immediate process more enjoyable for you
and for those who love you.
Plus, if you take the time to practice these skills
now, you’ll have them for whatever else life
throws at you. (The intensity of the wedding is just
the beginning!)
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| The Basics of "I Do" Yoga |
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The most basic of skill of yoga is simply being present
to your own experience - coming home to
your Self.
Being present means being aware of what you're
feeling in any moment. Being awake to your situation
and your response. This may sound easy but
there are so many ways to distract yourself from
what’s going on inside (flower selections, dress
colors, seating arrangement, etc.).
The easiest way to practice coming home to your
own experience is to listen
to Coming Home. It takes just 15 minutes and
will help you let go of your to-do list and just
be. I hope you'll try it and let me know what
you think!
You can also coach yourself to be present to your
own experience. Set aside a few minutes and follow
these four easy steps.
- Close your eyes and let go of the outside
world.
- Breathe deeply and settle into the body.
- Notice the sensations throughout the body.
- Trust in the wisdom of your body, your emotions
and yourself.
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Coming Home - A Guided Meditation |
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Click on the link to play or right click to download and
save. Be patient, it may take a few moments to load.
Coming Home
You can 'come home' alone or with your
partner. You do not need a yoga mat or any special
props. Simply find a comfortable seat where you will
not be disturbed for 15 minutes.
I'd love to hear your experience, comments or
questions about this meditation. Please let me know
what you think!
More "I Do" Yoga resources...
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