May-June 2005 - The Journey Magazine

transformyour bodyreviveyour spirit27040 Cedar Rd., Beachwood in the Hamptons Adj to Beachwood Place216.789.4473— www.clevelandyoga.com —Cleveland Yoga is anofficial BaptistePower Vinyasa Yogaaffiliate studio.to let the universe guide me?Through the 5 years on the mat, I have had to feel a lot ofthings on a physical and emotional level. A lot of toxic stuffhas come up. A committed yoga and meditation practiceforces you to do that. With the discovery of yoga, for the firsttime I felt like I had permission to feel whatever it was that Iwas feeling and not have to hold it in. I felt safe and supportedby just feeling, no questions asked. I began to just sit withthings, instead of distracting myself with the next thing; I canstay in the moment and come into my breath. On each breathout I deliberately exhale stress, fear and anxiety. I let go ofanything and everything that isn’t a part of my highest self.Growth happens moment by moment. I know that it’sokay to just be where I am right now. Acceptance is so important.I remind myself that I’m moving a little bit at a time.When I’m on my mat I can have my whole world swirling aroundin my brain and I just tell myself to breathe, now. It’s when Icome into that moment that something in me shifts, energymoves and I know the universe is taking care of me. When I’min my head wondering what tomorrow is going to be like orhow sad yesterday was, I am ultimately no where except myown hell. I can trust that what I’m feeling in the moment isreal, the doubts in my head aren’t. Noticing and really feelingwhat I’m feeling, seeing my mind and body’s reactions andlearning to stay calm is a gift. Being able to take a step back,stop, breathe, smell and feel are also gifts. Being still in meditationhas allowed me to clear my head and it pulls me into thepresent moment allowing for calmness and relaxation. It helpsme hear my voice of intuition so that I can live by it. I realizeonce again the present moment is the only thing that is real.YOGAallows union to happenremoves our illusion of separatenessPAGE THIRTY SIXMAY • JUNE 2005asanameditationrelaxationbliss & joyTantra Yoga WorkshopsAt A Touch of SerenityMentorMay 7, June 11 & July 9At Karma YogaDowntownMay 14, June 18 & July 16Instructor-all classes: ShakthiClasses are every Thursday eveningfrom 6:30 - 8 PMShakthi 440-255-7624 Ext. 14THE JOURNEY