“The next time you lose heart and you can’t bear to experience what you’re feeling, you might recall this instruction: change the way you see it and lean in.
Instead of blaming our discomfort on outer circumstances or on our own weakness, we can choose to stay present and awake to our experience, not rejecting it, not grasping it, not buying the stories that we relentlessly tell ourselves.
This is priceless advice that addresses the true cause of suffering — yours, mine, and that of all beings”.
~ Pema Chodron, Taking the Leap
Reading these wise words I think of poses in yoga, especially Yin, where we lean in to the physical and emotional discomfort and embrace the sensations and thoughts that come up.
Surprisingly it is the poses of surrender and letting go, rather than strength building that can be the most challenging for us.
Our practice on the mat is a great metaphor for life. We learn to be present with whatever comes up and use our breath to lean into it. Accepting where we are in that moment.
Breathe into whatever is occurring …. knowing it will pass.
Let there be no blame, just presence on our mat and in life.
Namaste
Your timing is impeccable, Val 🙂
Thank-you for this post, and for all your work. Best wishes to you and yours for the new year and the new decade.
Namaste
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So glad it resonated. Transitioning is not easy.💕🙏💕 Happy New Decade.
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I fought my PTSD and it gained power. Being strong seems to be the correct way to proceed.
Later I found acceptance to be the path.
Healing happened when I imagined my heart as a butterfly net. My job was to catch my fears, my thoughts, my judgments.
No resistance is like surrendering to your fears.
Your post is so true.
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Such wise words Marty. Thank you for sharing 💖
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A huge truth, Val.
Instead of fighting, lean in and let go helps so much more and like everything else, this is an exercise too ❤
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Thank you Irene … for being here and your understanding 💕
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Thank you too Val for all your inspiration ❤
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Beautiful post Val — and this phrase — “not buying the stories that we relentlessly tell ourselves.” sooooo true!
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So glad this resonated Louise 💕thank you for being here .
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Lovely post Val, I get this 100%, it’s how to survive peacefully no matter how strong the storm is battering at your panes. Acceptance is a very strong tool ❤
– Esme Cloud x
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Yes ❣️ courage comes from the heart …. and lets us embrace that which we shy away from… and the inevitable. Hugs to you my dear 💕💝💕
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I agree with this so completely. Great pose.
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Thank you Marlene. Keep leaning in and let it pass 🥰
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Sound advice. Thanks, Val. ❤
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Accepting that I “might die” from my tumor (or from the surgery to remove it) allowed me to fully embrace the NOW and LIVE in the moment . . . since I knew that it was all that I could count on.
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Acceptance is much less tiring than denial.
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a great pose to go with the prose…
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Great post! Thanks for sharing. One of the biggest blessings I’ve learned is that this too shall pass. Anything from something small like a bad cold or something bigger like grief, is easier to get through if you keep reminding yourself that the discomfort or pain will eventually ease and end. Looking forward to reading more of your insightful blogs!
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Thank you for your kind words and adding to the conversation❣️
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Love, love, love this post. Thanks so much for sharing!
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So happy you liked it 💛
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🙏
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a wonderful analogy, Val, and one that shows the power of yoga…
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Yes!!! :)))
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Thank you PD❣️
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❤
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Thanks Eliza 💕
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My deepest thanks, Val, for this valuable reminder of how to be present and moving lovingly forward with discomfort and pain.
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Thank you Jet 💛🙏💛
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Namaste 💟☮️🕉I so love yin yoga Val ~ sending a hug hedy🤗🕊
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Thank you dear Hedy 💖🕊🎈
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There is such power in acceptance. Even though I know this and have experienced it I still forget. Thank you for this wonderful post.
Sending love your way.
Ali
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Thanks so much Ali 💛🙏🏼💛 Sending love your way ❣️
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You do us well with this post and advice, Val. “Surprisingly it is the poses of surrender and letting go, rather than strength building that can be the most challenging for us.” It has been years since I last practice yoga, and during these past years I’ve told people many times after a yoga session I feel not only incredible physically, but also mentally. Now I just need to get back to it 🙂 Thank you!
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Yoga evolves with us. Finding the right teacher we realize It is always there to support us through life 🙏🏼
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