Meditation is the basis for all inner work. We might struggle conscientiously to change our limiting qualities; we might saturate ourselves with instructions and help, both concrete and subtle. Yet in the end, it is the direct, naked encounter with our own Awareness that shifts our understanding of who we are and gives us the power to stand firmly in the center of our being. No one else can make this happen for us. Meditation does. --Sally Kempton, Meditation for the Love of It
Once again I find myself in the midst of enormous challenge. One that is pushing and shoving me into ANGER MODE. The situation requires patience on my part while I want to scream bloody murder and throw a full-scale production tantrum. Folks privy to the details of the boring story would agree that my percolating state is excusable.
I am really good at a full-scale production anger tantrum. Someone witnessing one might even call it powerful. Really it’s just exhausting and depressing to lose control like that. And then there’s the fact that I have to be the yogi here. I have to practice what I teach or I am quite simply a fraud. What a great opportunity for me to let my practice shine, right? Oh it is so hard! And utterly humbling.
This week the theme of my classes is an exploration of the humble nature of empowerment. The Anusara yoga method that I practice and teach is one of empowering ourselves to make good choices that enhance our Light, and others’ Light too. I desperately need some empowering wisdom in the face of this anger and the escalating situation that is fueling it. I need to stand up for myself, remain steadfast in my center and proceed without freaking (or fizzling) out. This requires me to draw heavily on my practices of prayer, asana, and meditation. Every time I start to feel a wave of the anger (or despair) taking hold of me this is what I do: I stand with strong legs, lengthen the sides of my body so that I am my complete height, then I bow my head, soften my ribcage back while keeping my shoulders moving back. I drink a full breath in, around all sides of my heart. Immediately I connect with the interior landscape, the gateway to my essence (your essence and the Earth’s essence too) which is Wise, All Knowing, Clear, Pure, Good, Consciousness. I literally take a reverential posture and bow down to the Divine nature of my being. I humbly surrender, knowing without a doubt in every cell of my body and to the core of my being that 'this too shall pass'. I become calm and clear. Gratitude for all of the good things that are working well descends upon me . Then and only then am I truly in my Power-- which will light the path through this situation and all others that arise.
Melanie Buffett
Fairhope, AL
3/22/11 9:03 PM
1 comment:
I needed to read this, Mel. I know you have been going through such a difficult time. Thank you for sharing your struggle... it reminds me that I, too, need to take a closer look at my reactions and chose to respond with intention. Love you!
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