Inner Peace: Co-Create with Yourself

Conflict resolution

After creating the space inside to feel at home, you can begin to see patterns around the way you treat yourself. This week practice focues on working with, instead of against, yourself.

I had the privilege to be able to have the time to watch the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania give a webinar two weeks in a row. He is my teachers' teachers' teacher. He is an interesting person. He has an intensity, yet at the same time he's very quick to laugh and very relaxed about himself. He's comfortable in his own skin. In response to a question he advised speaking directly to yourself in an attempt to coordinate the mind and body. He suggested telling your stomach what you plan on feeding it and giving it permission to digest it. He also recommends giving yourself permission to fall asleep and rest deeply. Instead of sleep as a mindless exercise where you are at the mercy of exhaustion and you pass out because you have run yourself ragged, decide to sleep. Make it your conscious choice.

My teacher says yoga helps us co-create with the universe. This week, take steps to co-create with yourself. View yourself as a partner. The body and mind are dealt with as separate entities in the western world. How can that be? It may seem like a ridiculous thing to do, but try talking to yourself. We all do it anyway, why not try it with a specific purpose in mind. (You don't have to tell anyone.) Take the time to inform your body what it will be receiving. Then listen to see if there's any response. Definitely try the bed time talk. Allow yourself the opportunity to rest without the pressures of the next day. One of the ideas that came up in Sunday's class was inner tranquility will never be an option while you are anticipating the next move. Just as in savasana, or any part of your yoga practice, make the moment count. Don't sit still on the outside full of anticipation of the next step. Don't fall asleep just to get to the morning routine. Allow yourself to rejuvenate. 

The body has an awareness of what it needs. We just need to quiet down and listen.