Some days are better than others. Over and over, I say to myself, “Thank God for these practices.”
We’re all under a lot of stress right now. No matter who we are or what our beliefs or circumstances may be.
On the better days I remember to use the tools I have at my disposal — BRFWA (Breathe, Relax, Feel, Watch, Allow): I choose to consciously deepen and steady my breath; I move my body in ways that feel good and try to relax my muscles; I pause to purposely feel whatever I’m feeling. I compassionately acknowledge the physical sensations beneath my difficult emotions, and I remind myself that it’s all okay just as it is.
There’s a lot to feel right now, and it’s not all pleasant. Luckily, yoga teaches us that feelings are, essentially, energy. And energy can be shifted. With compassionate awareness, with breath, and with movement. It doesn’t take a lot. We just have to do it.