My wife was sharing her feelings with me the other day, when out of fear, instead of holding space for her, I shut her down. You see, part of me is afraid the messy, not so pleasant emotions will overwhelm me. Yet, I'm increasingly coming to find the healthiest thing to do is to feel, honor, … Continue reading Be Emotional!
Sing at the Top of Your Lungs!
When I make dinner I listen to music, while dancing and singing (loudly). In fact, not long ago I was especially into a song, and mid-chorus saw a lady walking by outside give me an "are you possessed?" look. Whether you can carry a tune or not, there's something powerful and healing about singing at the … Continue reading Sing at the Top of Your Lungs!
Becoming Friends with Your Breath
When I don't know what to say or write, I'll take a deep breath to let my mind quiet and make space for a calmer and more subtle "voice". If things get stressful or I feel my anxiety rising, I've found letting loose a sigh, growl, or silly noise makes a world of difference. During moments … Continue reading Becoming Friends with Your Breath
Crying Our Way to Life
I taught 3 classes in a row where someone cried at the end. What a gift and inspiration!!! You see yoga is a practice of becoming more human and alive, and tears are a sacred and important part of what it means to be fully human. FAR from the cultural conditioning that says waterworks are weakness and … Continue reading Crying Our Way to Life
Don’t Laugh it Off, Laugh it In
Sometimes you've just got to laugh at yourself! And not because you're hilarious, tho I totally am! I was listening to a podcast by a philosopher and comedian on my run and they sounded like Dory talking to whales. In other words, they sounded like they were high and talking extra slow. I figured it … Continue reading Don’t Laugh it Off, Laugh it In
Meditation on the Importance of Loving Our Messy Emotions
Do you ever have a thought or impulse that's inappropriate, uncomfortable, or "bad"? I know I do! The other day, one thought bubble led to another, and before I knew it, I was shocked and dismayed by the notion my mind had centered on. Before my inner shame police got too far into reading me … Continue reading Meditation on the Importance of Loving Our Messy Emotions
Fierce Softness
Changes, departures, leavings, and endings can be hard. For years, I was not only a faithful attender at a local church, I was on the leadership team, aspired to be a paid pastor there, and became close with the other team members. Then, after a good deal of inner wrestling and tender conversations, I knew … Continue reading Fierce Softness
Meditation on Changing Our Minds By Developing Groovier Thinking Patterns
I used to struggle A LOT with being defensive. I would refute or argue most feedback or critiques from people close to me. Likewise, if someone didn't agree with my take on things in beliefs, politics, sports, etc., instead of listening to their view and maybe letting my mind be changed, I'd double down on … Continue reading Meditation on Changing Our Minds By Developing Groovier Thinking Patterns
How Does “Anger” Belong When Love is the Point?
Even though it’s been five years and I’m incredibly happy, I’m still sometimes quite pissed at my second wife for divorcing me. In a righteous anger sort of way. After this year’s event marking the fiftieth anniversary of MLK Jr.’s death, an observer noted how “angry” some of the black speakers seemed in contrast to white presenters’ … Continue reading How Does “Anger” Belong When Love is the Point?
Christmas Reveals Beauty/Heaven/Divinity Shine IN the Messy Realness and Complexity of Life: Grace Comes IN Our Darkest Hours
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. … Continue reading Christmas Reveals Beauty/Heaven/Divinity Shine IN the Messy Realness and Complexity of Life: Grace Comes IN Our Darkest Hours
Grace and Peace Yoga 